06/23/2024
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What is one highlight from the program?
This past month, the Wisconsin project had another successful meeting with a county jail. After the pilot launched in 2023, facilities across the state expressed interest in the Pregnancy and Beyond curriculum and doula support. The pilot showed us that this framework is replicable not only nationally but in Wisconsin as well. Ostara Executive Director, Erica Gerrity, and Shanita Lawrence were able to participate in a podcast for The Community. This opportunity allowed this project to discuss what it’s like to give birth while incarcerated, reaffirming the need for services in our state. The episode is not out yet, but you can find it soon on the All In All Out podcast.
What is one need for your program?
A large need for Wisconsin is funding for the project. While we hosted a volunteer pilot, we realized this was not a sustainable solution. This past month, over $300,000 in grants have been written for Wisconsin to reach our $371,705 goal to launch in the Wisconsin Women’s Correctional System as soon as possible. Right now we have access to facilities, and a diverse workforce to implement services, but need funding to implement the services we are ready to offer.
What excites you most about the work you are doing to co-create with Ostara?
"With FREE's support, we have made much progress. We have access to facilities, a strong team ready to begin this work, and support from the Department of Health, doula organizations serving the community, Public Health, and advocacy groups who share our passion for this project. After my own experience of giving birth while incarcerated, we are getting one step closer to bridging the gaps people inside are experiencing. This has been my dream, and it is becoming a reality. Soon, we hope to support facilities to ensure babies get breastmilk, the birthing person gets photos for memories, and, most importantly, the people giving birth will be supported." Cheri, Wisconsin Prison Doula and Program Facilitator.
