Let's Start...began in 1989 when Sr. Jackie Toben SSND and 3 formerly incarcerated women began meeting informally. Since that time Let’s Start has developed a support process for women in transition.
Women coming out of prison immediately face a number if challenges: housing, education, employment, dysfunctional families, or addictions. They are faced with overwhelming demands which often leave them feeling alone and powerless.
Let’s Start is a process dedicated to assisting women in transition from prison life to society. It is unique in that it is coordinated by women who themselves have been through the criminal justice system.
What we do...
Let’s Start…
Offers weekly support process
Provides individual follow-up and referrals to participants in a mentor-like relationship
Offers support to caregivers and youth
Perform our dramatic presentation, "Stories of Hope", to social agencies, high schools and colleges
Offers "Learning Club" to children of participants
Advocates for change in the criminal justice system
Provide bus trips so children can visit their moms in prison
Offer parenting and financial literacy classes to participants
Let’s Start’s Mission
Let’s Start, Inc., an organization led by and for formerly incarcerated women, aims to break the cycle of incarceration in families by using the personal experiences of its participants to support recovery, educate the community, and inform policy.
If you would like to make a donation to Let's Start, please do so by clicking the "Donate" button below.
Your donation is fully tax deductible
It is the policy of Let's Start to not share the name and address of donors to any outside organization. This policy was approved at the Let's Start Board Meeting on May 13, 2008
$100 in 100 Days
Every year Let's Start invites 100 people to donate $100 in 100 days. A letter was sent to many of our regular donors. Click here to download the letter.
Announcements
-> Let’s Start is being recognized by the Ladue News as one of nine organizations for their Charity Award. A celebration is planned for Thursday, June 11. Three of the nominated organizations will receive $3000.
-> Cory Elliott, President of the Let’s Start Board of Directors, recently was honored by the St. Louis American at their 9th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon. As Executive Director of Facility & Support Services, Cory manages the day to day operations for DePaul in Bridgeton, St. Joseph in St. Charles, Wentzville, and St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, June 18
Let's Start Day
at City Coffee House & Creperie
36 N. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, MO.
Saturday, July 18
The Annual Let’s Start Luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 18 at noon at St. Vincent’s Hall, 1408 South 10th Street. In addition to a delicious lunch, there will be many wonderful raffle items. The speakers for the day – Marissa Paine, Executive Director of Haven of Grace, and Roosevelt Roberts, will both speak to the experience of children who have an incarcerated parent. Tickets are $15 and can be obtained from any Let’s Start participant or by calling the office: 314-241-2324.
Let's Start Luncheon - 12:00 noon
at St. Vincent's
1408 South 10th St.
St. Louis, MO
Saturday, September 26
The Fourth Annual Let’s Start the Music: an evening with Denise Thimes will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 at COCA, 524 Trinity Avenue. Sponsorship information is available here. Event invitations will be mailed in mid July and ticket can be purchased by check or through Pay Pal.
Let's Start The Music
An Evening with Denise Thimes
6:30 pm - Cocktails and light appetizers followed by the concert
For more information please call 314-241-2324or email:Sr. Jackie Toben
Meetings
Let’s Start meets Every Tuesday night (6:30- 8:00 pm)
St. Vincent DePaul Parish
1408 S. 10th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104 For more information please call 314-241-2324or email:Sr. Jackie Toben
Board Members
Corey Elliott - President
Barbara Malone - Vice President
Christine Woody, MSW - Secretary
Pam Ross - Treasurer
Faye Abram, MSW
Valerie D. Brown
Sateck Delaney
Cory Elliot
Katherine Fowler
Liza Horton
Jane Lammers
Shirley Lester
Barbara Malone
Betty Mitchell
Jessica Randman
Pamela Ross
Christine Woody
Let's Start is the fiscal sponsor for Alternatives with Education. AWE provides developmental, training and educational programs to help male and female prisoners lead productive lives while incarcerated and contribute positively to the community when released. www.awe-stl.org
Let's Start