Stand in the Gap

The Women in Transition (WIT) program of Stand in the Gap addresses the intergenerational impact of incarceration by supporting incarcerated and recently released women and their children. Oklahoma ranks 4th nationally in female incarceration, with 62% of women having minor children who face poverty, trauma, and heightened risk of incarceration themselves. WIT provides a continuum of care beginning in prison with an evidence-based curriculum on anger management, recovery, communication and healthy boundaries. Upon release, women receive support in securing housing, employment, family reunification and long-term mentoring from volunteers. Since 1997, WIT has maintained a recidivism rate under 3%, far below the 67% national average. The program also directly benefits young children by strengthening maternal bonds, reducing toxic stress, and promoting resilience. With this funding, WIT is enhancing child-focused strategies, including evidence-based trainings and the Science of Hope framework.