Womenfirst is on a mission to Empower Women to
Rebuild Their Lives
impact in 2025
So far this year, WomenFirst has helped over 35 women get into stable housing, find meaningful employment, and remove themselves from domestic violence situations.
We surveyed over 200 people and find that people want to help. When we asked “People recently released from being incarcerated need to be supported in order to not return to prison” over 95% of people said they Agree or Strongly Agree. Less than 5% of respondents said they disagree or are neutral.
$657,823.71
So far this year, WomenFirst has spent over $650k to help recipients with rent, utilities, awards and gifts.
When we asked “If someone I am close to was recently released from prison, I would support them, if I can” over 39% of people said they Strongly Agree with this statement, and over 47% said they Agree. Only 12% of people said they feel neutrally about that statement.
No one disagreed.
WomenFirst aims to provide a nurturing environment where women can rebuild their lives and self-worth
Learn more about how WomenFirst helps women to learn to love and value themselves as part of the transition and recovery process.
How WomenFirst Helps
Invest in your relationship with yourself
Our “I Love Me” Empowerment Program delivers innovative training and skill-building workshops for women in our most vulnerable populations.
The curriculum focuses on identity formation, value clarification, healthy lifestyles, and leadership development.
We also promote healthy behaviors to increase social, emotional, and spiritual growth. Our focus is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where women can share their experiences and learn from others.
Get support and peer mentorship
Our Peer Mentorship and Reintegration Program provides 1:1 mentorship providing women additional support in areas such as: life skills, employment, housing, and stability; working together to create a plan for their futures.
This program is based at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility beginning six months prior to a woman's release date, and is built around an individual action plan and follow-ups. This program launched as part of an April 2018 partnership with African American Program (AAP) through Multnomah County in Portland, Oregon.
BOARD ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the WomenFirst Board of Directors must share the news of the passing of Shannon Olive, the visionary founder and esteemed Executive Director of WomenFirst.
Shannon's dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for WomenFirst and tirelessly guided its mission, creating a lasting legacy of empowerment and support for countless women. Her leadership and spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside her and benefiting from her incredible work.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the entire WomenFirst community during this incredibly difficult time. The WomenFirst board plans to share more information in the coming days but at this time we ask for privacy as we process and support all Women First employees, clients and family members of Shannon.
The Board and staff of WomenFirst will be working to ensure that Shannon’s dedication and love of community continues, her light must not dim and her dreams will live on.
We’re Hiring!
Come work with WomenFirst! Click the button below to view the roles we are currently hiring for!
Your donation Will Make An Impact
Currently, there is a lack of long-term continuum care for women, they often wait months or years for their names to be called on the housing waiting list. This wait can lead to behaviors that create a cycle of destruction.
We need YOUR help to end the cycle. You can make a one-time donation, or support us monthly.
“WomenFirst taught me so much about a subject I thought I was already an expert on: myself!”
—Katy F.
GET INVOLVED
We would love to see you at our next event!
newsletter sign-up
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.
