Women released from prison experience homelessness at much higher rates than the general population. There is a great need for an increase of funding to help expand housing services, especially for women with children. Ashley is one of the lucky ones. With help from her reentry program, she has succeeded in securing a new place. She enjoys time with her two sons and boyfriend in her new apartment, as they relax and talk about the day.

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 1.9 million women are released from jails and prisons each year. This results in approximately 200,000 children being impacted by the incarceration and reentry of their primary guardian.

Ashley makes mac and cheese for her eldest son.

Ashley has been incarcerated three times and is in recovery. Recalling her past heroin addiction, she told me that the only reason she is alive today is because of her three boys.

A nurse checks in on the health of Elijah and addresses any medical and parenting needs Ashley might have.

In 2021, the National Institute of Justice released 9 recommendations for successful female reentry programs. Among them is the importance of aftercare and the ability to maintain open channels to community health care providers.

Twice a week, Ashley makes the thirty minute drive to Brattleboro, Vermont, to pick up her two oldest sons at their grandmother's house. She is still fighting the battle to gain full custody. Familial reunification is one of the most complex issues for women in reentry programs. Unlike men, the majority of incarcerated females are the sole parent to children eighteen years or younger and aim to resume their role as a primary caregiver once released.

Ashley and her son Elijah.

Cyndi, age 59, relaxes on her porch in Randolph, Vermont.

Cyndi is a full time caregiver to her father who has dementia. She has been incarcerated several times in her life. The last time she was released from jail, she had to walk over a bridge on her way to see her parole office. Cyndi told me she thought of jumping off that bridge. What stopped her was the fear that no one would be there to take care of her father.

Cyndi has a direct view of her father from her bedroom. Her door is always open.

Cyndi sifts through the arts and crafts boxes at the Gifford Auxiliary Thrift Shop in Randolph, VT. Women who have been incarcerated face higher rates of mental disorders than incarcerated men and non-incarcerated women. She goes once a week, looking for deals and inspiration for her next art project. Crafting and making art provides her with the mental time and space for self-care, which is essential for her recovery and serves as a balance to her work as a full time caregiver.

Two leading causes for incarceration of women are drug-related crimes, including possession or selling of drugs, and property crimes and theft to pay for substance use. Cyndi has been incarcerated for both. A photograph of Cyndi in her wilder days is displayed on the bottom shelf in her bedroom. She keeps it there as a reminder of who she was and no longer wants to be.

Inside Cyndi's living room, which doubles as a hospital room for her father.

Cyndi smiles as she walks through her garden.

Cyndi and her son.