Advocacy

The Demeter Foundation advocates for the humane treatment and support of women with the lived experience of the Wisconsin Women's Correctional System (WWCS) statewide. Our organization does research on the policies and procedures of the Wisconsin Women's Correctional System.

For women re-entering Dane and the immediate surrounding counties and we provide transitional resources regarding health services, employment and education. We advocate for women in Dane County with parole agents and Community Corrections to provide our clients with support and continuity of services. We provide workshops designed to work with self-empowerment, healing and strength. Our services and supports are trauma-informed, person centered and provided in a way that is mindful of the complex needs of women in the criminal justice system. We also provide support to women at all three correctional facilities here in Wisconsin and provide Welcome Home Kits that are mailed statewide.

Welcome Home Kits

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The Demeter Foundation delivers welcome home kits with basic necessities to women exiting the Wisconsin Women's Correctional System.

Apply for a welcome home kit here.
Donate $20 for a welcome home kit here.
Items you can donate

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8 Dimensions of Wellness
Over the years, The Demeter Foundation has provided various, impactful information focused on health, healing, and recovery for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in Wisconsin. The foundation supports SAMHSA's 8 Dimensions of Wellness.
​ "Creating a Healthier Lifestyle" facilitators are from a variety of backgrounds and lived experience and will be discussing sections in their areas of expertise. Women are also welcome to bring a support person.
Classes are being planned for later in 2020
Contact us for details. View the SAMHSA video.​​

WRAP Workshops for formerly incarcerated women
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Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) workshops are provided by a Nationally Certified WRAP Facilitator.​ The Wellness Recovery Action Plan® or WRAP®, is a self-designed prevention and wellness process that anyone can use to get well, stay well and make their life the way they want it to be. It was developed in 1997 by a group of people who were searching for ways to overcome their own mental health issues and move on to fulfilling their life dreams and goals.  It is now used extensively by people in all kinds of circumstances, and by health care and mental health systems all over the world to address all kinds of physical, mental health and life issues. Group size is 10-12 people and available to Community Corrections and other organizations who would like groups for men, women or a combined group. Assistance with individuals working on their WRAP plans is also available. To receive details about our workshops including fees and scheduling please send a message through our contact page.

Vision Board Workshops

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A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. "The purpose of your vision board is to bring everything on it to life. First, think about what your goals are in the following areas: relationships, career and finances, home, travel, personal growth (including spirituality, social life, education) and health."...Elizabeth Rider, Wellness Expert
Our workshops are fun, inspiring and are done in a woman based, trauma informed environment. For further information send a message through our contact page.
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Action Planning for Prevention and Recovery

Incarcerated women preparing for release can request a copy of this publication. The guidelines can assist with developing strategies to use safely along with other health care treatment and help created balance. If you know of a woman that might benefit from this we can mail her a request form. Please send us her contact information.
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Peer Specialist Support for mothers of incarcerated
and formerly incarcerated women
Being a mother of a woman involved in the criminal justice system can cause trauma and stress in your daily life. Family members are often forgotten about. Self-care is extremely important.          You can call us and speak to a mother with lived experience.                                                                     Having a Peer to talk with can be a positive and supportive experience.
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For more information we encourage women to 
complete a program interest form or contact us directly.
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Please note that we do not:
  • Provide legal counsel, arbitration, or legal services
  • Provide housing, co-sign on leases or rental agreements, negotiate with landlords, or broker roommate/housemate agreements 
  • Provide cash under any circumstances, co-sign loans, or provide references for obtaining loans or other financial matters
  • Provide bail money or arrangements
  • Provide transportation unless it is pre-arranged and approved