ABOVE PHOTO: During Monday’s press conference about the Google grant, Ardella’s House founder Tonie Willis speaks with officials and stakeholders. (Photos/ Perry Media)
The $150K grant will assist the Philadelphia nonprofit to reach more women with criminal justice histories and create lasting impact in communities.
On Monday, at an event with Pa. House Speaker Joanna McClinton, Philadelphia Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D- 4th Dist.), and other officials and civil leaders, Google announced a $150,000 grant to Philadelphia nonprofit Ardella’s House.
This funding – the largest donation to date – will support their services that allow women with criminal justice histories to obtain work, housing and health care, and to rebuild their families and participate fully in civic life.
In addition the Google grant, Jones announced that the City of Philadelphia will contribute $50,000 to the organization during the event.
Each year, Ardella’s House provides direct assistance to approximately 800 women and their families, and offers an integrated continuum of services to criminal justice-involved women in response to five key areas of need: livelihood, housing, family, health and well-being, and criminal justice compliance. The funds from Google will help Ardella’s House reach more women and provide them with equitable resources to help achieve their goals.
“Expanding access to resources and support networks for women after they leave prison is critical for our communities to thrive and succeed,” McClinton said. “This partnership between Google and Ardella’s House will make a significant impact on the lives of Pennsylvanian women striving to overcome the challenges associated with a criminal justice history.”
Recidivism continues to be a challenge in Pennsylvania, with over 64% of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to prison within three years of release. For women, the recidivism rate has increased by over 13% in Pennsylvania, since 2009. This highlights the significant need to expand access to resources for women after they leave prison.
“Ardella’s House is thrilled to receive support from Google to help further our mission to empower women with criminal justice histories to rebuild their lives and reintegrate them into society,” said Tonie Willis, founder and executive director of Ardella’s House. “Recidivism in women is often related to a lack of services and support systems after they leave prison. This is why donations like Google’s are so important to provide relief and increase opportunities for so many women and families impacted by the criminal justice system.”
“Google is committed to supporting local nonprofits that are working to make their neighborhoods a place where everyone can thrive,” said Winton Steward of Google External Affairs. “We are proud to support Ardella’s House in their mission to empower women with criminal justice histories to achieve their goals and provide greater access to resources that serve the Philadelphia community.”
This funding builds on Google’s longstanding commitments to helping formerly incarcerated individuals receive workforce readiness training. Since 2015, Google has dedicated more than $48 million in grant funding and 50,000 pro-bono hours to nonprofits advancing criminal justice reform. This includes over $10 million given to organizations helping criminal justice-impacted communities access greater economic opportunity.
For more information about Ardella’s House, visit: www.ardellashouse.org.
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