What is New Beginnings?
New Beginnings is a jail-based program providing workforce and life development services, mentoring, and support to women in the Kent County, Ottawa County, and Muskegon County jails. The program's purpose is to reduce the likelihood that a woman will return to jail after release.
Why volunteer?
Volunteer mentors play a critical role in helping women successfully re-enter the community and avoid re-incarceration. Research shows a dramatic drop in the recidivism rate for women who have mentor support post-release. We offer extensive training for New Beginnings mentors, and we ask that mentors make a one-year commitment. Every woman participating in the program receives a trained female mentor. The participant and mentor develop a positive relationship that provides support while in jail and after release. New Beginnings mentors provide genuine, caring, non-judgmental support while also offering accountability as program participants work to achieve their goals.
Additional benefits include:
- training and support to facilitate a successful mentoring experience.
- the opportunity to develop sincere long-lasting relationships with a participant.
- provide participants with safe communication, free from judgement.
- Be a source of positive encouragement to justice-involved women.
- access to networking opportunities with other mentors.
Questions about the program?
Contact Brittany Schultz, mentor coordinator, with any questions at 616-410-0780 or bschultz@grwrc.org.
Ready to volunteer?
Sign up by hitting the blue "Sign Up" button and we'll be in contact with you soon about next steps!
