Labyrinth

YWCA Labyrinth Outreach Services to Women offers reintegration services to formerly incarcerated women. The overall vision is to significantly reduce recidivism.

Labyrinth addresses the needs of women released from the Illinois Department of Corrections and McLean County jail who are returning to the community. We help rebuild each woman’s dignity and nurture her growth as she develops the attitudes and skills required for productive, independent living.

What We Do
Upon assessing each woman’s needs, our staff and volunteers provide support and guidance for clients to obtain the resources needed to aid them on their new journey. We are a liaison to social service agencies who provide essential services including state identification, transportation assistance, medical services, education, employment skills, clothing, and personal needs.

PROGRAMS

Mentoring Program
Eligible clients are based with trained community members as additional support to work on personal/career goals, coaching, and personal empowerment. Mentoring includes monthly match events with all members of the program and involves a one-year commitment to the program.

Economic/Employment Services
Classes explore résumé development, interviewing, financial literacy, explaining a criminal record, and uncovering careers that can lead to economic stability and success. Our coaches help clients with job search preparation, how to use personal networks to find employment, preparing for job interviews, and how to utilize soft skills to remain employed, as well as providing education to potential employers and partners.

YWCA Strive
Define your career goals and gain the confidence to seek higher-paying jobs or negotiate higher wages with YWCA Strive, a free professional development program for individuals who struggle to secure or retain living-wage employment. Learn more or sign up here.

Labyrinth Made Goods
Labyrinth Made Goods creates opportunities that empower women who have experienced incarceration by providing professional development training, apprenticeships, and permanent employment as a part of YWCA McLean County. All proceeds from our nonprofit social enterprise are reinvested to create more empowering opportunities so every purchase and donation you make supports our mission. Learn more and purchase here.