Since it was established in 1995, the mission of Women's Re-Entry Network (WREN) has been to enhance the quality of life for women involved in the criminal justice system, their families and the community by helping participants to re-enter society in such a way as to enhance self-sufficiency and access to resources, increase positive social supports and family ties, overcome barriers to goal achievement, and reduce the risk of recidivism.
WREN provides a holistic network of mental health, education, employment, family and supportive services in a safe and welcoming environment. WREN is a place where women can begin the process of rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with family and reclaiming their place as productive members of the community.
Clients who wish to participate in Women Re-Entry Network's services at its community-based office initially attend a group orientation session at which point they are connected to a case manager. Each client works individually with a case manager to identify areas of need, set goals and develop a case plan. Continual contact with a case manager helps clients to maintain records of their personal progress and to access necessary services. Based on the client’s case plan, she may participate in any of WREN’s services:
Individual and family counseling.
Diagnostic Assessment.
GED preparation and adult education services.
Intensive, one-on-one case management sessions.
Anger management classes.
SAT (Surviving Abuse Together) Group
Parenting classes.
Writers Group.
Peer support group.
Temporary transportation assistance.
Resource linkages.
Clothing and hygiene supplies.
Employment readiness coaching (resume writing, preparing for an interview)
Women who are currently incarcerated may participate in Women Re-Entry Network’s group programming at Cuyahoga County Corrections Center. These groups may include:
Surviving Abuse Together (SAT) Group
MOMs Group (a parenting class)
Grief and Loss Group
Substance Abuse Relapse Prevention Group
Writers Group
Therapeutic Support Group (both for general population and the psychiatric unit)
Anger management
Participating in WREN’s groups at CCCC ensures that upon release from incarceration, women will already have a linkage in the community. This connection will help to ease the re-entry process and prevent occurrences of re-incarceration. WREN and jail staffs work collaboratively to link women to continued WREN supports as they return to the community, as well as other appropriate resources for medication, shelter and other needs.
WREN is funded (35%) through contracts with government agencies and (65%) through foundation grants and gifts from individuals, churches and other organizations, including
United Way of Greater Cleveland.
Mary Kozina, LISW, Director of Women’s Re-Entry Network may be reached at 216-696-5735 extension 203 or
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