Four years ago we conducted a series of interviews in the prison with the women. The goal of these interviews was to understand how the women became involved in drug trafficking, their challenges in the prison, and how they envision their lives once released.
During the interviews we asked the women, “If you could pick any job to do when you get out what would it be?”
This was the hardest question to answer, because, for many of the women, envisioning a future with choice was impossible. Instead they said:
“A job that paid me regularly and that helps me provide for my daughters.”
“Any type of legal work.”
“I will do whatever kind of work I need to to help support my mother and my daughters.”
Freedom. Agency. Possibility. Choice. Desire. These were not part of a future they imagined.
Over the past four years, something shifted. The women began to talk about their big dreams after being released from the prison. “Any type of work” turned into specific jobs fueled by ambition. “Whatever I can find” turned into opening businesses and studying at university. Dreaming became possible again.
We don’t pretend to be the only reason this shift occurred. The women are truly responsible for this change. They are the ones who attend classes, learn new skills, listen to feedback about their products, and work to be better. To be bigger. Ser grande.
But, we know that our work has been one thread in the beautiful future the women are weaving for themselves.
Our workshops with Kani taught the women the many facets of entrepreneurship. Leatherworking with Senor Alberto taught the women how to refine an artisan skill. Producing jewelry orders in a production group taught the women how to scale their enterprises.
And with each success comes possibility. Each workshop is another thread that becomes woven in what’s next, beyond the prison.
Today is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, and we hope that you’ll include us in your giving. As we near the end of the year, we need your support to continue providing free, high quality workshops in the prison.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 by December 31st, which would enable us to start 2019 with our winter and summer workshops funded. Will you help us?
With gratitude,
Amanda Smiles