Help us break barriers
Founded in 1845, the Women’s Prison Association is the nation's first and longest-standing organization dedicated to supporting women impacted by the criminal legal system.
Thanks to your support, our mission to make the incarceration of women obsolete is transforming the lives of women and their families.
Our commitment to change
Right now, there are 400+ women detained at Rikers Island, most of them mothers and primary caregivers, separated from their families and stuck in a system designed to hold them back at every turn.
But what if there was another way? What if we invested in women and their families instead of punishing them?
What if we shift from retribution to restoration, giving women meaningful opportunities to heal and thrive?
At WPA, we’re driving this change forward and advancing equitable solutions by:
- Connecting women to a gender-responsive network of support so no one falls through the cracks
- Ensuring women have access to safe housing, alternatives to incarceration, and essential care
- Transforming narratives, policies, and priorities to make women’s incarceration obsolete
- Expanding our reach to support more women, more families, and more communities
Our mission is audacious. Through our work, we create public safety solutions, keep families together, and help the women we serve stabilize, heal, and thrive.
We meet women where they are
By specializing in personalized care for every client we serve, WPA fosters trust, connection, and agency.
Based in New York City, WPA provides a lifeline for women navigating reentry, working alongside them to dismantle the structural barriers that have kept them in the margins for too long. This past year, WPA served 500+ clients across seven programs and two housing facilities, delivering measurable outcomes with enduring impact.
Our commitment to change
Right now, there are 400+ women detained at Rikers Island, most of them mothers and primary caregivers, separated from their families and stuck in a system designed to hold them back at every turn.
But what if there was another way? What if we invested in women and their families instead of punishing them?
What if we shift from retribution to restoration, giving women meaningful opportunities to heal and thrive?
At WPA, we’re driving this change forward and advancing equitable solutions by:
- Connecting women to a gender-responsive network of support so no one falls through the cracks
- Ensuring women have access to safe housing, alternatives to incarceration, and essential care
- Transforming narratives, policies, and priorities to make women’s incarceration obsolete
- Expanding our reach to support more women, more families, and more communities
Our mission is audacious. Through our work, we create public safety solutions, keep families together, and help the women we serve stabilize, heal, and thrive.
We meet women where they are
By specializing in personalized care for every client we serve, WPA fosters trust, connection, and agency.
Based in New York City, WPA provides a lifeline for women navigating reentry, working alongside them to dismantle the structural barriers that have kept them in the margins for too long. This past year, WPA served 500+ clients across seven programs and two housing facilities, delivering measurable outcomes with enduring impact.
Increase Your Impact
Matching Gifts and Workplace Giving
Did you know that thousands of companies match employee donations? Most will match your gift dollar-for-dollar, while some may contribute two or even three times your gift! Matching gifts are one of the easiest ways to support more women and families through WPA. Search for your company at the link below to see if you are eligible.
More ways to support WPA
Mail a check
Make checks payable to:
Women's Prison Association
347 East 10th Street
New York, NY 10009
Fundraising opportunities
To raise critical funds and
awareness in support of
our mission:
Planned giving
To learn more about gifts of
stock, corporate partnerships,
and planned giving, email:
In accordance with Internal Revenue Service requirements, we confirm that the Women's Prison Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. WPA's Federal Tax ID is 13-5596836.
Looking to donate physical items?
We accept new and gently used items. Please take a look at the list below for more details. To set up drop-off at our Manhattan or Brooklyn locations, reach out here. Thank you for your support!
Become a Partner
Uplift our community through a partnership and empower our clients with life-changing resources.
About WPA
Since 1845, WPA has empowered participants to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration.