Our Place, DC

Our goal is to interrupt the incarceration cycle of women and mothers by connecting them to their families and surrounding them with support to aid their reentry into the community.

How do you help people in my community?

The women who use Our Place’s services are members of many communities. They are residents of the District of Columbia. They are women. They are mothers. They are people who are looking for a fair chance to make a lasting positive impact on the world – just like you. By placing much needed resources within the reach of these women, we help your community to be strong, healthy, and productive.

Why do you need my support?

In spite of our ability to connect with foundations that support our mission, we still are in need of funding to support some important aspects of our work. Your gift, large or small, can make a difference in these areas: 1) purchasing toiletries so women have what they need to care for their personal hygiene; 2) purchasing much needed medications; 3) purchasing identification and birth certificates (which are vital for obtaining housing and employment); and 4) assisting children and other family members to make regular visits to the distant prisons where their loved ones are incarcerated.

How can I be sure that you will use my money wisely and won't waste it?

We will not waste your money, because the issues that affect women who are incarcerated are near and dear to our hearts. A number of women on our staff have been incarcerated and understand the struggle to succeed in the community first hand. Their presence on our staff offers a perspective that helps the organization stay true to its mission and operate with a high level of integrity. Similarly, we build incredibly strong bonds with the women we support in order to help them meet their goals. Their pain becomes our pain and their success becomes our success. With so much at stake, we only want to see the best for them. For these reasons, we assure you that the organization will use your money wisely.

In addition, we operate based on a strict fiscal protocol that includes a multi-tiered system of checks and balances with regard to our spending. Our board of directors consists of heavily involved members, including a number of attorneys and one prominent judge. The board reviews the organization’s budget and its year-to-date financial status regularly. Furthermore, a separate financial committee of the board offers a deeper examination of the organization’s finances. Finally, we hire an independent accountant to audit our financial records on an annual basis.
In our eight years of operations, we have created and preserved a reputation of trust and honesty with our community.

Can I Volunteer? How?

Certainly! As we are growing, our needs are always changing. We invariably need office help. We could also use the help of a photographer and web designer. We understand that many people have talents that can help us in ways we have not yet dreamed. If you have special skills to offer or have a great idea for a project that would benefit us, please let us know. We welcome it!