At the heart of A New Way of Life’s mission and vision is providing a safe, clean, sober-living environment to women returning from prison and jail. Women of color represent the fastest growing population of prisoners in the U.S. today, with an astounding 800% increase in rates of imprisonment since the 1980s--driven largely by the so-called “war on drugs.” On any given day in Los Angeles County, there are 3,000 women on parole. About 1/3rd of them live in South Central Los Angeles. Released with only $200 in their pockets, and often with no government identification or safe place to go, many simply cannot succeed without additional support. Women and men on parole struggle to stay out of prison, to find stable income, and to remain sober in isolation. But in a system more interested in punishing than in actually addressing the problems of poverty, addiction, and physical and mental illness, close to 70% of those released in California will go back to prison within a year of their release, either convicted of a new crime or by failing to meet the conditions of parole.

At A New Way of Life we boast the opposite statistics--more than 70% of the women who come to stay in our sober living homes and participate in our programming are successful in breaking the cycle—staying out of prison, and getting their lives back on track. A New Way of Life’s core programming supports paroling women in taking small but significant steps toward reestablishing their lives. Our staff helps residents obtain California ID and Social Security cards, apply for public assistance where appropriate, and deal with debt, such as child support, that they may have incurred while in prison. We support them in making court appearances, reporting to parole officers, and meeting the other conditions of their parole or probation. Most importantly, we embrace them in developing a plan for their sobriety, helping them find a sobriety sponsor, and regularly participate together in Alcoholics, Cocaine, and Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the community, in addition to our weekly in-house meetings.

Once these basic needs have been met, A New Way of Life assists women in thinking about their futures, encouraging enrollment in educational classes and training programs, and/or beginning to look for steady employment. We partner with nearby community-based institutions such as the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, California Department of Rehabilitation, and the Maxine Waters Employment Center for their expertise in employment and career development. For women with children, we help them begin the often long and difficult process of rebuilding strong, healthy relationships with their children, and regaining custody when appropriate.

In 2006, A New Way of Life played a critical role in helping to transform the lives of more than 45 women and their children. One year later, the vast majority are clean and sober, enrolled in school, training for new careers, or fully employed. Most have reestablished relationships with their children, and some have regained full custody.

The women who come to A New Way of Life have often lived in environments where they were given little encouragement or support to reach their potential, pursue their interests, or develop important life skills. The path toward recovery and healing is full of challenges, obstacles, social and political barriers, and sometimes major setbacks. The seed we plant with the women at A New Way of Life is the notion that a better future for themselves and their children is possible. And most significantly, we strive to create an environment so rich with love, support, encouragement, and guidance that women can tap into the power of a community full of other women who want to see them succeed.

A New Way Of Life provides three stages of services to our residents:

Stage I – Getting started
We provide…

• Pick ups from prison and jail
• Clothing and toiletries
• Assistance in obtaining government documents, including California identification card, Social Security card, and Birth Certificates
• Weekly 12-step meeting onsite
• Assistance in obtaining health and mental health services.
• Opportunity to participate in day treatment.
• Assistance in meeting conditions of parole-probation
• Transportation assistance

Stage II – Getting established
We provide…

• Assistance with family reunification, including court advocacy, mother-child activities, educational resources for children, child support, and parenting workshops
• Referrals to career and educational counseling
• Educational programming on topics such as financial literacy, the criminal justice system, recovery and personal growth, health and nutrition

Stage III – Getting independent
We provide…

• Assistance in searching for permanent housing
• Support in developing a drug-free lifestyle
• Advocacy and leadership training

To view our directory of free health, mental health, employment, legal, and other services in Los Angeles, click here