We believe that the issues that often lead women into the criminal legal system - trauma, substance use, mental health challenges, and economic instability - are only exacerbated in jail or prison.
The Women’s Project envisions a better way where women in crisis receive personalized interventions and support, enabling them to heal and thrive in safer communities.
The Women’s Project is an innovative alternative to detention (ATD) and incarceration (ATI) program for women in New York City. Our team of reentry care coordinators, social workers and an attorney provide trauma-informed, culturally-competent and gender-responsive services.
We help women stay safely in the community and avoid incarceration, offering the support they need to rebuild their lives.
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We foster an inclusive space that is responsive to the needs of participants and appreciative of the historical inequities that impact our community members every day.
Program Participants
per year
Boroughs Served
Brooklyn, Bronx, and Manhattan
Kate McMahon
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Nyesha Jackson
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Alexa Weissman
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Nanci Avalos Omana
Cecilia Donovan
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Michell Encalada
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Mikayla Carignan
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Shamika Vargas
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Your donation empowers women with individualized support, case management and essential services, providing them with the tools to rebuild their lives and avoid incarceration. Together, we can create brighter futures and stronger communities. Donate today and make a difference!
What is the difference between ATD and ATI?
ATD (alternative to detention) is for women who would otherwise be in pretrial detention at Rikers Island. Participants are released to work with us as part of a bail application. ATI (alternative to incarceration) is for women seeking a non-prison disposition through a plea conviction. This includes women mandated to work with us as part of an ATI, as well as pretrial participants working voluntarily to increase their chances of a non-carceral sentence.
What services does The Women’s Project provide?
We offer many services to help women remain safely in the community instead of behind bars. Read our full list of services.
Does The Women’s Project provide housing?
No. The Women’s Project does not operate housing sites. We leverage our close working relationships with providers throughout the city to place women in supportive residential programs. We also help women work towards permanent housing solutions.
What makes someone eligible for participation?
Women and nonbinary or gender-expansive persons who could benefit from gender-responsive services geared towards women.
18+ years old.
Pending criminal charges in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or the Bronx.
Held on unaffordable bail or facing a potential term of incarceration.
How can I make a referral?
Defense counsel and social workers can make referrals through The Women’s Project online referral form. All others should reach out directly to us through our contact form.
Does TWP offer individual counseling?
No. If a participant needs individual therapy, TWP will craft an individualized service plan with a secure connection to appropriate mental health services in the community.
You can reach us anytime via twp@wildcatnyc.org.
All referrals must come through defense counsel. If you are not defense counsel but know someone who might benefit from our services, please contact us, and we can reach out to the assigned attorney.
The Women’s Project is a program of Wildcat Service Corporation – a member of The Fedcap Group.
Learn more about Wildcat Services and The Fedcap Group.
Wildcat Services: For over 50 years Wildcat has provided programs and services to persons impacted by the criminal legal system. Wildcat seeks to accompany people in identifying success and achieving self-sufficiency.
The Fedcap Group: Wildcat is a member of The Fedcap Group - empowering 250,000 individuals each year worldwide to achieve economic and social well-being.
