Why Not Prosper, a social services organization in Philadelphia, focuses on providing transitional housing to women who were formerly incarcerated, to help make sure they have a positive future ahead, reports Marcus Espinoza for FOX 29.
“We support them with staying clean, getting a job, and of course reuniting with their children,” said Rev. Dr. Michelle Anne Simmons, the founder of the Germantown organization.
Why Not Prosper runs other programs as well, including the Rolling Engagement Van, which travels around the city and provides food, clothes, and provides on the spot referrals to the community.
The SWAG team — or Sisters With a Goal — is another program run by the organization.
According to Simmons, the SWAG team is the social justice arm of the organization. The team is constantly on the move, working on racial justice and anti-violence initiatives, and also as peer mentors to formerly incarcerated women.
Simmons, who was also once incarcerated for 6 years, started the program 23 years ago about 8 months after returning home.
“It’s my promise that I made to God in a jail cell,” said Simmons.
Her goal was to help others and she strives each day to do just that.
Learn more about Rev. Dr. Michelle Anne Simmons and the women helping others transform their lives at Why Not Prosper on FOX 29.
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