Newsletter, Page 6

HOME INSIDE THIS ISSUE HARMONY BEYOND BOUNDARIES APFO - A NATIONAL VOICE MOMS & BABIES PROGRAM COLLEGE COURSES SISTER 2 SISTER MENTORING BUILDING BRIDGES RE-ENTRY CONFERENCE HUGE SUCCESS TEACHER OF THE YEAR ANGER MANAGEMENT RECIDIVISM We are on the Web! www.dpscs.state.md.us MARYLAND CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN	Re-entry: Your Future	Vicki Lopez Lukis Dynamic Keynote Speaker
	On October 4, 2008, the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women hosted a collaborative conference with the National Association of Women Judges, (NAWJ). This organization is the nation’s leading voice for women jurists dedicated to ensuring justice and access to the courts for women, minorities and other historically disfavored groups. Our own Warden Brenda Shell was immediately receptive to the NAWJ’s idea of a pre-release conference. Co-chairs, Judge Serrette and Judge Murray organized a steering committee of dedicated women that brought this idea to fruition. The goal of this conference was to provide women with the resources and information to support a successful transition from the prison setting to employment and community. A “Survival Manual” was created by the Center for Behavioral Health Services Criminal Justice Research and given to each successful participant in planning and experiencing the re-entry process. The deliberate choice made by these women is a priority for their success. The keynote speaker was Vicki Lopez-Lukis, a dynamic individual, plus experts in financial management, housing, education, drug/alcohol and mental health resources, employment, resume’ writing, family reunification, anger management and yoga, were facilitators in this positive endeavor. The guests also included several women that have successfully transitioned into society from MCIW.
	Judge Brenda P. Murray and Judge Cathy Serrette co-chaired this event to support and sustain positive reinforcement for the next phase in the rehabilitation and restoration of oneself. Additional sponsors in attendance included the Women’s Bar Association, Hoffberger Foundation, Inc., Alternative Directions, Correct RX Pharmacy Services, Inc. and Maryland Commission for Women. Goodwill sponsors included the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars, Baltimore City Council, Keefe Commissary Network, LLC. and many others.
	This seminar also included on-site interviewing with various employers from the Baltimore area. As well as a myriad of other interested people who truly want to reconnect with those that have the desire and drive to change their lives to become assets to their communities. NOTE: Several women were hired ‘on the spot’, having their résumé's handy and ready to promote themselves to the employment world. A special thanks to the many volunteers assisting the Conference, presenters, facilitators and participants; And, especially the staff at MCIW. Dorothy Farbo #919-623, Maryland Correctional Institution For Women
	“Anger Management for Women” Laura Inklovich, Director of Programming, Transitional Living Centers, Inc.
	Programming for incarcerated females often presents its own set of unique challenges. Anger Management is among the commonly offered groups utilized within correctional settings; however, as with any group, this type of group must be adapted specifically to accommodate women’s special strengths and needs. At the Transitional Living Centers, Inc. (TLC) in Williamsport, Pa, the anger management group offered is Cage Your Rage for Women~a program developed by Judith E. Urquhart, MSW, RSW; and Murray C. Cullen, PhD, Licensed Psychologist. The curriculum and facilitator’s guide are offered through the Book Store of the American Correctional Association. This group is designed to explore the many facets of anger and examine (a) how women specifically experience a variety of emotions, including anger, frustration, shame, etc., and (b) how women have difficulty expressing their emotions in a healthy way. Common coping mechanisms that tend to lead to emotional and psychological damage include “stuffing”, substance abuse, perpetration of abuse, victimization from abuse, eating disorders, sleep disorders, etc. The authors also acknowledge the social pressures women face to present a certain image of perfection and submission in a “modern” society. Anger and other emotions that are not appropriately expressed can lead to greater consequences in terms of physical manifestations and health concerns as well. The group explores different types of healthy coping mechanisms that women can engage in to alleviate stress and anger, such as journaling, talk therapy, exercise, rest, meditation, deep breathing, identification of distorted thinking styles (black and white thinking, blaming, mind-reading, unfairness, etc.) Music is also utilized during each group to aid the identification and expression of emotions. Such music groups played include Staind, Saliva, Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, Disturbed, etc. This group is conducted with typically less formal structure than a cognitive- behavioral group such as Moving On. TLC uses a closed-group format, as many topics discussed involve deeply personal information and residents frequently cry during at least one session. This helps overcome trust issues which would occur if new residents were cycling in during the curriculum. This group ends with a graduation ceremony in which each graduate receives a hand-signed certificate and a gift such as aromatherapy lotion and body wash. They also share a graduation cake and discuss future strategies and experiences that occurred during the group, as a type of debriefing exercise from the overall intensity of the material covered. Transitional Living Centers, Inc. continues to utilize gender-responsive programming in order to further its mission of providing a supportive community that enables incarcerated women to make a positive and productive transition into society.

Re-entry: Your Future