Our Stories

Through testimonials and stories, the unique needs of formerly incarcerated women — which aren’t as frequently discussed as those of men — and their children can finally be heard.

Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya returns to Testif-i to discuss her work as the founder of Founding Mothers Incorporated, a SAFE House Network member, which provides a safe space for formerly incarcerated women to live and gr...
Evie Ponder
Evie Ponder
Evie Ponder
Evie Ponder has a zest for life and is motivated to help others who have suffered painful experiences. While incarcerated, Evie read “Becoming Ms. Burton,” which inspired her to change her life. W...
Bethany Little
Bethany Little
Bethany Little
Bethany Little was inspired to make a change due to her own experience with the criminal justice system. She began to pursue transitional housing for women and the LGBTQ population who were being disc...
Ivy Beverely-Hilton
Ivy Beverely-Hilton
Ivy Beverely-Hilton
Ivy Beverely-Hilton is passionate and motivated to succeed. Years ago, Ivy’s 6-month-old daughter died in a tragic accident. This experience impacted Ivy’s mental health, and the stigma surroundin...
Moonlight Pulido
Moonlight Pulido
Moonlight Pulido
Moonlight is full of life and laughter—never a moment of boredom when she’s around. After Moonlight was released in 1985, she struggled to find reentry services and resources. Moonlight cycled in ...
Hakim Anderson
Hakim Anderson
Hakim Anderson
Hakim is compassionate and sees herself as a servant of God. Hakim, a former resident at A New Way of Life, was arrested at 15 and incarcerated for more than two decades. During those years, Hakim los...
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