By TMoM Team Member Suzy Fielders
Life after incarceration for women doesn’t have to be or feel bleak. Peggie Wells, Founder of The Wells Center, wanted to be sure local women who were facing hard times know this. That is why she founded the non-profit. She’s dedicated her life to helping those women in need during times when many others won’t help unfortunately.
The Wells Center serves as a bridge in the transitional process for women going from incarceration to mainstream society. Their mission is to bridge the gap to positive outcomes for women exiting incarceration.
Wells founded the non-profit in 2002, and after a lot of work and determination began offering services in 2015. To provide the best possible future for the non-profit, she earned a bachelor’s in sociology from Winston-Salem State University, a master’s in social work from A&T/UNCG and a master’s in divinity. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Therapist.
About The Wells Center
Wells shares that the first 90 days after incarceration are critical to staying on the right path. That is why a large part of their services is during that time frame.
Their services include three levels: pre-release, post-release, and transitional housing. They do not charge women that are part of the program for any of these services.
The program is called CATCH, which stands for Changing Attitudes To Change Habits. It is called this because at The Wells Center, “We believe you can change your future by changing your attitude. Using an interactive approach, we address behavior; mental health; and acute, chronic, and complex trauma needs.”
To move forward with their lives, then these women must want to do so for themselves, Wells shares. It’s not something anyone can force on anyone. They only accept women into the program that truly are serious about changing their lives for the better.
Three Levels of Services
- Pre-release – During this time, The CATCH program begins in the Forsyth County Jail with a study of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The program continues with Trauma Informed therapy, pastoral care counseling, an introduction to a mentor and participation in a peer group support.
- Post-release – The CATCH program continues with the Post-release Community Day Treatment where women exiting the Forsyth County Jail continue their treatment, coaching and support. For women exiting prison or another county jail and who are residents of Forsyth County, the CATCH program begins here with the same training, treatment and support as in the pre-release program.
- Transitional house – For women in the CATCH program who have no place to go after release or for women who need a safe refuge after release, The Well of Healing Transitional Home provides a place for a woman to heal and to separate themselves from outside influences.
The Wells Center also provides substance abuse counseling if needed. The program is 90 days to 18 months.
Well of Healing Transitional Home
A woman in the program can stay in the Home from 90 days to 18 months in order to provide healing and support, rebuild broken relationships, and to help her transition back into the community.
After going through their program, the hope and goal is for each woman to seek out their GED or re-enter the workforce. The Wells Center provides each of these women with support throughout the entire process.
Trauma Informed
Many women who are incarcerated experience emotional and psychological trauma. That is why The Wells Center offers a 7-week evidenced-based Trauma Informed course & Psycho-trauma Therapy.
To learn more www.thewellscenter.org.
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