"Stories of Hope" | How can I help? | Partnerships | Let's Start the Bus


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...

In order to meet our mission and vision, Let's Start offers the following:

  1. A weekly support group facilitated by a formerly incarcerated woman;
  2. Individual follow-up and referrals to participants;
  3. Weekly activities (tutoring, computer learning, crafts, games) for children when their moms are participating the the group sessions;
  4. Presentations in the community and performances of the dramatic presentation "Stories of Hope" to educate the public about issues impacting the lives of women ex-prisoners and their families;
  5. Every other month bus trips to the Vandalia Women's Prison for children to visit their incarcerated mothers;
  6. A parent education program designed to meet the unique needs of formerly incarcerated mothers;
  7. Individual and group work for 25 children whose lives have been impacted by parental incarceration;
  8. A micro-enterprise program which requires participants to take part in a five hour financial literacy course;
  9. School-based group sessions for children of incarcerated parents in the University City School District.
  10. Advocacy efforts involving Let's Start 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

Announcements

Ladue News Article Rehabilitation Programs  "Second Chances" - May 6, 2010

Upcoming Events

Tickets are $60 and $75 (includes CD). Purchase through Paypal below
or call 314-241-2324 or email: Sr. Jackie Toben

The event is co-sponsored by the Doerr Center for Social Justice and St. Louis University.  Cocktails and gourmet appetizers at 6:30 pm.  Performance at 7:30 pm.

Sponsorship Information

If you are interested in participating as a sponsor for Let's Start The Music, please download and complete the "Sponsorship Form" below. You may also call 314-241-2324 or email: Sr. Jackie Toben

Sponsorship Letter
Sponsorship Form
Sponsorship Poster
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 314-241-2324 or email: Sr. Jackie Toben

Board Members

Katherine Fowler, President
Shirley Lester, Vice-President
Pamela Ross, Treasurer
Christine Woody, Secretary
Jami Boyles
Valarie D. Brown
Cory Elliott
Nina Garcia
Liza Horton
Toni Jordan
Jane Lammers
Betty Mitchell
Pam Palacios
Denise Thimes

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