People
Nonprofit of the Month: Women of Honor and Destiny
The Hello Woodlands Nonprofit of the Month is brought to you by Randy Lovelace of Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies and highlights a local nonprofit organization that serves the Montgomery County community.
The Nonprofit of the Month is Women of Honor and Destiny, TLC, Inc. (WOHAD), a nonprofit organization, devoted to eliminating homelessness for women impacted by the criminal justice system. WOHAD provides safe transitional housing and life-changing programs to help them make a successful reentry into society. Read our interview below with Women of Honor and Destiny’s Founder and CEO, Janice Freel.
The Interview
Tell us about WOHAD
Women of Honor and Destiny, TLC, Inc. (WOHAD), is a nonprofit organization, devoted to eliminating homelessness for women impacted by the criminal justice system. We provide safe transitional housing and life-changing programs to help them make a successful reentry into society.
WOHAD was organized as a direct response to its founder, Janice Freel’s call on her life. She recognized the critical shortage and market demand for transitional housing and programs for women who are released from Texas’ criminal systems of confinement.
Female incarceration in Texas has increased more than 908% since 1980. A multitude of factors have contributed to the growing rate of female incarceration: poverty and unemployment, lack of education, stable housing, lack of treatment for mental illness, tough-on-crime prosecution of drug crimes, and trauma. In Texas, more than 10,000 incarcerated women are mothers. This can lead to profound ripple effects in their children, their families, and within their communities. These same barriers, especially lack of stable housing, are barriers to a successful reentry into the community.
Transitional housing is the solution to filling the gap in service needs for women.
Who and where does WOHAD serve? What programs and services does WOHAD offer?
We are working with a commercial realtor to locate property in Montgomery County (Conroe, Willis, The Woodlands, Spring). We are in the process of partnering with Montgomery County Sheriff’s department to offer anger management education and training.
Once we obtain a facility, we will collaborate with various community agencies and organizations to offer:
- Spiritual support
- Trauma care
- Parenting education
- Like skills
- Health and wellness
- Anger management
- Employment readiness
- Vocational/career support
- Substance abuse/psychological treatment
- Recreation
What makes WOHAD unique?
Women’s identity and self-worth are defined by their relationships. The impact of dysfunctional or unhealthy relationships on women’s lives disempowers them, leaving them helpless or hopeless of ever being independent.
In our gender-responsive and trauma-informed home, we create an environment based on safety, respect, and dignity. Our policies, programs, and practices are relational and promote healthy connections to children, family, and significant other, and the community.
How can the community get involved, volunteer, and support WOHAD?
We are seeking individuals who are passionate and enthusiastic about promoting our cause. There are five (5) seats open on the Board of Directors. The following positions to fill are:
- Attorney
- Parole/Probation
- HR Director
- Business leader
- CPA
- Fundraiser
- Marketing
- Website/Social media content writer
- Time standing volunteers
Where can the community learn more?
Visit the website at www.wohad.org or contact Janice Freel by email janice.freel@wohad.org or by phone at (936) 202-8491.
ABOUT RANDY LOVELACE
To learn more about Randy Lovelace, his “Referral for a Cause” program to help local nonprofit organizations, and of Paragon Independent Insurance Agencies, please call (281) 298-0440, email rlovelace@paragoninsagencies.com or visit www.paragoninsagencies.com/woodlands.
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