Chicago launches first support center for formerly incarcerated women in Pilsen

Women released from prison will get help “rebuilding” their lives through Chicago’s first reentry support center in Pilsen, designed specifically for women.

The Women’s Justice Institute on Thursday announced the launch of the women-focused Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC), during a media briefing at its Pilsen location, 2150 S. Canalport Ave.,

The center, which will help women returning from incarceration access resources designed to meet their specific needs, was made possible by a $375,000 grant from the Department of Family and Support Services.

“Coming home from incarceration is not simply about relief. It's about rebuilding,” said Dyanna Winchester, reclamation specialist for WJI. “ It's about healing trauma, restoring dignity, reconnecting families and learning how to believe in yourself again in a world that too often refuses to see your work.”

Women and female-identifying individuals can find help at the center with housing and employment assistance, mental health services, family reunification support and legal advocacy.

About 1,400 women are currently incarcerated in Chicago and Cook County, with about 500 women cycling through Chicago every year, according to Deanne Benos, executive director of WJI.

Although women make up the smallest share of the incarcerated population, they are the fastest-growing, Benos said. And when they are released, resources are often stretched thin because men make up the majority of those incarcerated, leaving women with limited support.

“Despite making up a smaller share of the incarcerated population, women, particularly black and brown women, face some of the most complex and unmet challenges upon returning home,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was on hand during the media briefing.

Johnson said more than 75% of incarcerated women have experienced domestic violence and about 60% are mothers to children under 18.

The Women’s CRSC will give women not only the services they need to get on their feet, but also give them a space to connect with others facing similar challenges.

Winchester, who was formerly incarcerated, said organizations like WJI were a “lifeline” when she was released from prison.

“ When it was time for me to come home, they didn't just talk about reentry, they walked me through it,” said Winchester. “They helped me imagine a future beyond survival.”