What we do…
Ladies of Grace is made up of a group of mission-minded Christian women in Northwest Arkansas, who come alongside and partner with jails, prisons, treatment centers and halfway houses to enhance and support the programs these facilities provide. What began as a prison ministry is now a multi-faceted outreach to various organizations. It is difficult for anyone to make even small changes in life, but for those who come from generational incarceration and addiction, completely changing a long held world view is nearly impossible without support from family and community. Many in the population that this group serves have lost relationships and even contact with husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers and community, and in doing so, have also lost the ability to live a normal life.
Ladies of Grace helps by normalizing the change process:
● Including family in the treatment process by holding family events
● Celebrating every holiday by providing “treats” and lessons that are focused on learning basic skills and how to live a life of integrity.
● Providing necessary small items – socks, gloves, combs, shampoo, tooth brushes, tooth paste, body lotion — and many other things as needed and requested by the facility.
● And, having volunteered in this field for many years, Ladies of Grace is able to bring in speakers who have successfully turned their lives around. Individuals who are able to give testimonials about what they did to get a new life.
For Ladies of Grace this is a ministry – the “love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts.”
There is no preaching, but all teaching is built on the solid ground of Biblical Truths – the ground on which hearts and minds can be opened to a better way of life.
Romans 5:5
Today...
There are more women incarcerated now than ever in American history. The majority of women that Ladies of Grace serves, incarcerated in NWA, are caucasian moms. Many of these are also grandmothers, all struggling with deep pain and shame.
When Mom goes to prison and becomes separated from her children, 37% of the kids are in the care of their fathers, nearly 50% are cared for by grandparents while the remaining are taken in by extended relatives or placed in the foster care system. During this time of separation and rehabilitation, Ladies of Grace walks beside women, encouraging them with the love and forgiveness that can only come from Christ.
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5
Did you know?
The national recidivism rate (relapse) is about 68%. This means, after 5 years, 68% of released women will return to jail.
For the women we serve in Northwest Arkansas, that number is significantly lower. Ladies of Grace partners with other organizations to make a difference in the lives of women rejoining our communities. Most do not return to jail or prison.
You Can Help
Each time a woman leaves prison, she’s left to start over on her own. A lot of women lack the basic essentials, such as shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste.
Sponsor a Reentry Bag of health and beauty product for $35.00.
Each month we provide approximately 15 bags for the women's prison, and we’d like to see that grow with your contribution.
