Miriam Goodman on Building Trauma-Responsive Care for Justice-Impacted Women
As the Senior Director of Clinical Care at the Women’s Prison Association (WPA), Miriam Goodman brings over fifteen years of experience working at the intersection of the criminal legal system and gender-based violence. Her work is rooted in the belief that transformative change is possible through survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and community-driven approaches that both support healing and challenge the structures that…
The Barriers Women Face Before, During, And After Incarceration
Systems-impacted women and gender-expansive people often face unique barriers before, during, and after incarceration, including high rates of trauma, economic instability, housing insecurity, mental health crises, and the need for family reunification. Furthermore, race, poverty, and gender are primary drivers in the disproportionate criminalization of Black and Brown women, leaving many homeless, unemployed, and struggling to survive. To make…
Social Justice in Action: Five Ways We Show Up for Women Impacted by the Criminal Legal System
Our commitment to social justice means investing in community, advancing decarceration, and ensuring women impacted by the criminal legal system have the resources they need to thrive. Here’s how we remove barriers and create pathways to stability and success for the women we serve: Court Advocacy We fight to keep women in their communities where…
Women’s Prison Association Announces Leadership Transition and Strategic Opportunity for Justice Reform
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is entering an exciting new chapter of leadership, growth, and influence. Luisa H. Taveras, Esq. has joined WPA as Interim Chief Executive Officer and will guide the organization as it moves forward with focus and urgency to advance decarceration. Luisa co-led the development of WPA’s recently adopted Strategic Plan, and…
2025 Impact Report: The Women’s Prison Association
WPA is proud to share our 2024–2025 Impact Report, highlighting a year of measurable progress and meaningful support for women impacted by incarceration and injustice. This past year, more than 500 women and gender-diverse people enrolled in our programs. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our partners, supporters, and staff. Together, we are creating…
Clinical Care in Social Services: Supporting Women’s Mental Health and Stability
Learn how trauma-informed clinical care serves as a crucial resource for women receiving social services and working with case managers on individualized care plans, supporting their mental health and well-being while empowering them to set goals toward a stable future. Clinical Care in Action Shenetta Giles, LMSW, CASAC, serves as a Clinical Supervisor at our…
WPA CEO Meg Egan Appointed to Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Transition Committee on the Criminal Legal System
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is excited to announce CEO Meg Egan has been appointed to the Mayor-elect Mamdani administration’s Committee on the Criminal Legal System, serving alongside over 400 distinguished leaders to provide their expertise and insights to the incoming administration. “By prioritizing safe and stable housing, critical mental health care, alternatives to incarceration,…
Incarcerating Mothers Creates a Family Crisis
Maternal incarceration is a widespread and significant issue in the United States. Nearly 80% of women in jail are mothers and primary caregivers, and many are single parents (Source: Vera Institute). When a mother is incarcerated, the ramifications not only impact her but ripple through her community and unravel the stability of her family. Felt…
Beyond Bars: Alternatives to Incarceration for Women in New York City
Each year in New York City, thousands of women—many of them mothers, survivors of trauma, and members of underserved communities—are caught in the criminal legal system. For them, traditional incarceration often does more harm than good, separating families and disrupting day-to-day life. The Women’s Prison Association (WPA), based in New York City, believes there is…
Meet Aisha Elliott, WPA’s Chief Program Officer and Mission-Driven Strategist
Aisha Elliott has joined the Women’s Prison Association (WPA) as the Chief Program Officer, bringing over two decades of experience in criminal legal system reform. Her extensive experience positions her as a key leader in driving transformative change within the organization. Aisha is passionate about dismantling the harmful systems that inflict injustices against women in…