A look into one of our community partner organizations, written by Associate Director Dacia Carter:

What’s up with Why Not Prosper?  

So much! If you haven’t been introduced to one of our beloved community partners, Why Not Prosper, please click the link to familiarize yourself with the organization. Why Not Prosper is a grassroots nonprofit organization created to provide formerly incarcerated women with the support and resources that will empower them to become responsible, economically self-sufficient, and contributing members of the community. The organization offers a continuum of services dedicated to assisting women every step of the way before and after release, including pre-release mentoring, women’s residential services, and reentry work readiness programs.  

What’s New with Why Not Prosper? 

One of the most exciting recent developments is the opening of The Formerly Incarcerated Renaissance Museum, or The “F.I.R.M.”, which pays homage to the talents and successes of formerly incarcerated individuals, especially women, in America. The mission of The F.I.R.M. is to illuminate silenced narratives and empower the voices of justice-impacted women to share their stories, express themselves through art, and connect with their community. The museum showcases a variety of exhibits that highlight the powerful narratives and creative talents of justice-impacted individuals from all over the world.  

What’s Next with Why Not Prosper? 

Looking ahead, Why Not Prosper is preparing for its 25th Anniversary Gala to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments over the past 25 years. This event is one of the largest fundraising events of the year and provides an opportunity to highlight community, organizational leaders, and most importantly, the women they serve, as well as the graduates of their programs. The event is an annual convening of supporters, graduates, clients, service providers and community partners, both within and outside of the criminal justice system. Civic House will be in attendance, and we hope that you will be, too.  

Working Together with Why Not Prosper 

Our partnership with Why Not Prosper reflects our approach to community engagement and our commitment to building mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with our partners. Each year, Civic House and Why Not Prosper collaborate on initiatives that support the communities the organization serves while providing students with meaningful opportunities to learn and work alongside the local community. This past year, Why Not Prosper and its S.W.A.G. Team (Sisters With A Goal), educated students through initiatives such as the “You Need To Know” campaign, raising awareness about the impact of gun violence, straw purchases among women, and other community-based prevention strategies.  

Students also connect with the organization through hands-on experiences at different points throughout the year. At the start of each academic year, students in our pre-orientation program visit Why Not Prosper and attend the organization’s annual summer community fair where they can begin to build relationships with co-founder Bishop Michelle Simmons and staff, while connecting with many of the women involved in the organization. Together, Civic House and Why Not Prosper work on initiatives that are defined, informed, and driven by the organization while providing students with opportunities to learn directly from and contribute to community-led work.  

Ways to Engage with Why Not Prosper 

Students engage regularly with Why Not Prosper through Civic House as interns and volunteers, and our team is proud to support and celebrate the many events and milestones that highlight their continued impact in the community. If you are interested in volunteering or internship opportunities, students can do so through Civic House’s Community Engagement Program or Community Internship Program. Please contact Associate Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement, Dacia Carter, for more information.