SOMETHING GREAT IS
soon
COMING
Every day, more than 450 women endure harsh conditions on Rikers Island.
At jail intake, 1 in 4 women and gender-expansive individuals share a heartbreaking reality—they were homeless before incarceration, and many have no stable place to turn upon release. Behind these numbers are real people: mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—each deserving a chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive.
TOGETHER WE CAN HELP!
Since 2019, the Providence House Women’s Justice Program (WJP) has supported over 200 women as they reenter the community. With a 93% non-recidivism rate, it’s one of the most successful reentry programs in the nation.
We are thrilled to announce a bold new chapter for the Women’s Justice Program. After a 4-year strategic planning process, we are bringing to life the first-ever purpose-built site specifically designed for women exiting the incarceration system.
When construction is complete, this transformative space will provide transitional housing and comprehensive wraparound services to more than 160 women and gender non-conforming individuals each year. It will be a vital lifeline, offering the resources and opportunities needed to thrive and build sustainable futures within the community.
Donate today to empower women, rebuild lives, and strengthen our neighborhoods.
Your support will create meaningful and lasting change, breaking the cycle of incarceration for hundreds of women and sparking a ripple effect that transforms thousands of lives across New York City and beyond.
Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community and leave a legacy of hope and opportunity.
but we can’t do it without you!
about the project
Dear Friends,
The Women’s Justice Program (WJP) represents an innovative and compassionate approach to serving women and gender-expansive individuals impacted by incarceration. Rooted in a legacy of care dating back to 1979, the program builds on the visionary work of four Brooklyn-based nuns who transformed their convent into a sanctuary for women returning from prison.
In 2018, with the support of the Robin Hood Foundation, Providence House reimagined this program by launching an innovative pilot. Combining the compassion of its origins with trauma-informed and gender-responsive practices, this modern approach has created a comprehensive model of care. WJP provides 24/7 access to essential services, including:
Mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Life skills training.
Household budgeting and financial management.
Support for parole, probation, or court-mandated requirements.
The success of this model led to a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, enabling WJP to expand and support hundreds of women. Building on decades of expertise, Providence House is now a recognized leader in addressing incarceration-related trauma and championing justice reform.
Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by our newest initiative: the pre-development of an 85-unit, purpose-built residence in Bedford-Stuyvesant. This groundbreaking facility—unlike anything else available for women and gender-expansive individuals in New York City—will provide a safe, supportive environment designed to meet their unique needs as they transition out of incarceration.
Every detail of this first-of-its-kind project has been carefully crafted to foster healing, empowerment, and community, breaking the cycle of trauma that impacts countless women and families.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey. Learn more about our work, share our mission with your community, or contribute through your generous donations. Together, we can create lasting change for women and families across New York City.
Danielle Minelli Pagnotta, LMSW
Executive Director
Learn more about our programs!
Revival of The Journey Program: Empowering Women after Reentry
Unveiling Resilience: The Power of Art and Collaboration at Providence House
Empowerment in Focus: How Professional Headshots Are Helping Women with Justice Involvement Reclaim Their Professional Identity
Creativity, Connection, and Craft: Jewelry Making Workshop at our Women’s Justice Program
#SocialWorkerAwarenessMonth: Zenja Bostic’s Impactful Work in Women’s Justice
about the space
With the construction of our new site, Providence House will provide transitional housing and wrap around supportive services to over 160 women and gender non-conforming people each year. This initiative will ensure they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive and build sustainable futures within the community.
Community-Centered Living Space
The site will provide a safe and welcoming home for women, featuring 85 thoughtfully designed private rooms across five identical levels. Each level will include 17 private rooms, along with a shared kitchen and living/recreational area, fostering a close-knit, supportive community on every floor.
Administrative and Program Offices
This building will serve as the heart of our organization, where compassionate staff work tirelessly to provide resources, guidance, and support, ensuring every resident has the tools they need to thrive.
Inviting Community Rooms
We will provide a warm and flexible space for workshops, celebrations, and gatherings, bringing people together to learn, grow, and celebrate milestones in a shared, supportive environment. We will also have a large meeting space available for community events and gatherings.
Lush Backyard Oasis
There will be a peaceful retreat with vibrant gardens and tranquil green spaces, designed for moments of reflection, therapeutic activities, and joyful outdoor programming that nurtures the soul.
timeline
COMING SOON
Get in touch!
If you’re interested in becoming a vendor, more specific ways you can support this project, or you just want to learn more about the development of this transformative space, fill out the contact form below!