Giving Formerly Incarcerated Women a New Start

Reverend Dr. Michelle Simmons, 57, is the CEO & founder of Why Not Prosper, an organization that offers women who are transitioning from incarceration a place to live. Simmons started WNP in her own home; the first beds she offered were in her two kids’ rooms. Since then, Simmons, a formerly incarcerated person, has grown the organization to include three houses that sleep 75 women. WNP also offers social services, job training services, and personal growth development. “They have to forgive others for what happened to them in the past, but mostly they have to forgive themselves in order to move forward and build their lives back,” Simmons said. Simmons, a Philly native born in the Happy Hollow section of Germantown, has used her own life experience to transform her community, by fostering a supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and create a brighter future.

Why did you start Why Not Prosper?

It was my own personal experience that led me to start Why Not Prosper as a home and program for women coming out of incarceration. When I came home from prison, I faced constant rejection in employment, housing, and education. I just kept being told no. My journey from convicted felon to community leader exemplifies the organization’s mission. I tell them, “You can’t help everything that happened to you in the past, but the future is up to you.” Determined to stay clean, regain custody of my children, and rebuild my life, I persevered. My personal struggles inspired me to provide a home and support for women facing similar challenges. A local church offered a building, and we began our mission.

What is the mission of Why Not Prosper and how has it evolved?

The mission is to give formerly incarcerated women a hand up, not a hand out. They have seen it all and done it all. We help them forgive themselves and move on. We started with one house that opened in 2003, with five beds. Now we have five different programs: Three houses that sleep 25, the pre-release program, the anti-violence program, the eat healthy program where we give away food, and a roving van that offers services to formerly incarcerated people in the community.

How do you help change the lives of women impacted by incarceration?

WNP’s philosophy is to support women with personal development. What I learned is that there has to be a level of personal development in order for it to work.

Eight out of 10 of women who have been incarcerated have been raped or have been a victim of domestic violence. Nine out of 10 of them are mothers. They are plagued with guilt and shame and disappointment about how their lives have turned out.

Most of them have to go through a forgiveness process, where they need to forgive others for hurting them, but they also have to forgive themselves. We tell them, “You are not responsible for everything that happened to you in your past, but you are responsible for your future.”

How do you measure the impact of the program? How do you know when it is working?

The first sign of change in a person is the presence of humility. This is followed by a willingness to learn, take direction, and follow instructions. As they progress, they develop new coping skills, enabling them to respond differently to challenging situations.

Instead of resorting to substance abuse, they make healthier choices. Their conversations shift towards self-awareness and personal growth, indicating a positive transformation in their worldview. The approach at Why Not Prosper involves guiding them towards a solution-based mindset and encouraging them to focus on their present choices and future goals, rather than dwelling on past traumas. It’s almost like we are re-parenting them. We say, “Let’s clear the whole slate. Your whole life. You are right here, right now. What do you want to do next?”

“They need to forgive others for hurting them, but they also have to forgive themselves.”

You have a doctorate in philosophy. What is your personal philosophy?

My journey taught me ownership, accountability, and responsibility. As long as you blame others, you can’t heal. When I was on drugs and had two daughters, I prioritized getting high over having a relationship with them. One day, I dropped them off at my aunt’s house and told her I was going to get myself together.

That took six years. And I did get myself together. When I got out, I told my aunt, “I want my kids back,” and she fought me in court. I had to say, “You know what, Michelle? You are in this situation because you wanted to go get high.”

I had to accept that situation before I could get my kids back. I had to tell myself, this is not someone else doing this to me. I did this. That ownership and accountability is how you move yourself forward. If you blame others, you can’t begin healing. Through personal development and recovery, I learned the importance of ownership, accountability, and responsibility. These principles are now ingrained in our program at Why Not Prosper, empowering women to overcome their past traumas and create a new way of being.

What has been the biggest challenge and how do you overcome it?

The biggest challenge is helping the women [we work with] really believe in themselves and see their own worth. They have been beat up for so long that when they get to WNP, they feel overwhelmed by our support and kindness. We teach them self-love and empower them to pursue their goals, and we treat them well. We offer them help and get them clothes and toiletries so they can go on job interviews, and they don’t think they deserve it. Mostly we help them rebuild healthy relationships. Our ongoing support focuses on life skills and maintaining progress, even after they leave our program.

Could you share a positive moment or story when you were able to see the impact of your efforts?

I’m incredibly proud of a young woman who entered our program, malnourished and struggling. Today, she’s our program director, seven years clean, and she’s a testament to the transformative power of our work. Another highlight is my daughter, who recently earned her master’s in social work, joining our team. It’s my heart’s desire for Why Not Prosper to continue thriving for generations, and her commitment ensures its legacy.

How do you find new women to enter the program?

We receive referrals constantly from various agencies. Our reputation for helping women re-enter society is well-established. Early on, I even housed women in my own home until an incident with theft taught me valuable lessons about trust. Rebuilding trust is a crucial part of our work, as many women have strained relationships due to their past actions. My own experience with addiction and its impact on my family reminds me of the importance of compassion and consistent integrity.

What do you wish people knew about WNP and the women you serve that they may not understand?

Formerly incarcerated people are humans who deserve understanding, not judgment based on past mistakes. We’ve struggled, but we’re also capable of incredible things. That’s why I opened the FIRM (Formerly Incarcerated Renaissance Museum), which is the first museum showcasing the artistry and power of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Is there a passage or quote that helps you maintain your resolve and motivation?

I feel inspired by a couple of quotes. One is by Maya Angelou, who wrote, “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” Another one is from Norman Vincent Peale: “If I say I can, I can. If I say I can’t, I can’t.” [It resonates] because I am very positive and I try to keep a high frequency of energy.

What do you hope for the organization to achieve in 2025?

My primary goal is to secure our fourth location and to build a retreat center on our Poconos land. This would provide a peaceful space for our women to heal and connect with nature, away from the city. I’m hopeful that a philanthropist will partner with us to make this dream a reality.

Anything else that you want people to know about you?

In 2016, I received a full, unconditional pardon from Governor Jerry Brown. This pardon erased my past conviction and restored my rights.

Favorite Philly performing artist: Frankie Beverly and Maze

Favorite Philly food or place to eat: Maggiano’s, even though I haven’t been there in a while!

Favorite Philly pro athlete: Malcolm Jenkins. He gives out turkeys [for the holidays] and gives back all year long.

Favorite Philly small business? Victoria’s Kitchen. She’s a sister. We went to school together.

Wish people knew this about Philly: We are die hard. You’re not just going to do anything in our city, or we are going to rise up against it. Or, if it’s positive, we are going to get you up.

You don’t know Philly until you’ve… hung out with some of our formerly incarcerated women!

Why I love Philly and want to give back: Because Philly is where I got my foundation. Philly is my house. Germantown and Happy Hollow birthed and raised me!

LUCY DANZIGER is a journalist, an author, and the former editor-in-chief of Self Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, and The Beet.

This article is part of a series about Philly Gives — a community fund to support nonprofits through end-of-year giving. To learn more about Philly Gives, including how to donate, visit phillygives.org.