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…
Mental Health Challenges Faced by Justice-Impacted Women
Women impacted by the criminal legal system face layered expectations: secure stable housing, meet supervision requirements, reunify with children, and gain employment. These demands are often made without regard for the trauma they carry or the barriers they face. At the Women’s Prison Association (WPA), our Clinical Services center on support, recovery, and possibility. It’s…
Why Culturally-Inclusive, Trauma-Informed Clinical Care Matters
Culturally-inclusive. Trauma-informed. These aren’t just buzzwords—they’re principles built into our history and mission. Since 1845, the Women’s Prison Association (WPA) has adapted to the evolving needs of the populations we serve. In 1929, in response to the increasing number of incarcerated Black women, WPA hired a Black social worker, making it one of the first…
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Nancy Carr, Former WPA Board President
We celebrate the life and legacy of Nancy Carr, a former Board President of WPA committed to community and service, who passed away at the age 90. Nancy served on WPA’s Board of Directors beginning in 1984 and was involved in the organization in various capacities, including as Board President, Secretary, and across specialized committees….
Closing Rikers Island: Why Community-Based Solutions Are Critical Investments
Closing Rikers Island doesn’t just mean shutting down the facilities—it’s about investing in prevention and true public safety. Alongside partner organizations, we’re urging the city to expand proven initiatives that invest in our communities, not the carceral system. With the Rikers Island jail complex set to close in 2027, these critical changes are essential to…
Alcohol Awareness Month: The Urgent Need for Treatment Access Before, During, and After Incarceration
April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to acknowledge the widespread impact of substance misuse and advocate for effective treatment solutions. For women impacted by the criminal legal system, substance use disorders, including alcohol misuse, are often both a cause and a consequence of incarceration. The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) understands firsthand that addressing substance misuse…
Annual Report 2023-2024: The Impact of Our Critical Work
WPA is excited to share our 2023-2024 Annual Report, highlighting the past year of meaningful opportunities and lasting change created for those impacted by incarceration. As we embark on a new chapter at WPA, we are so grateful for the support we receive that leads to positive outcomes for women and gender-diverse individuals before, during, and after…