My Nonprofit Reviews

If you want to know the difference LEAP makes in the lives of formerly incarcerated women, just talk to the ladies who have graduated from the program. Apart from the hours of in prison education, I think it is the exposure to different people and opportunities that really sets this organization apart. LEAP has a mentorship program after the women get out of prison wherein professional woman from the community work with LEAP students. They go to the ballet, find out about internships, get book recommendations, do yoga, go to meditation, talk about clothes and how to dress, etc. They establish a relationship and it is the relationship, the caring and accountability, that seems to make the difference. LEAP also works with the women post release to help secure housing, employment, clothing, cell phones and other necessities. The combination of education and the social and interpersonal skills the women are exposed to really increases the likelihood they will find a job and not only stay out of prison, but build a beautiful life for themselves.

Within the last year, LEAP opened the Dragonfly Thrift Boutique, where they provide a comprehensive six month paid retail internship. The women who work at the store are very open about what a difference the program has made in their lives. I think this video provides an excellent picture of LEAP:
https://www.facebook.com/riseupasone/videos/1633002873483485/UzpfSTEwNjYzMTQ0OTUyNDQ5Njo4Njg1MTcyNTMzMzU5MDg/