Help group for women exiting prison holds fundraiser

TACOMA — Some 150 supporters of Empowering Life, a faith-based nonprofit that offers programs for women exiting prison, turned out Feb. 12 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows to hear testimonials and give generously.
The women who told their stories had been at Washington Corrections Center for Women in Purdy or at Mission Creek Corrections Center for Woman in Belfair. All were grateful for the programs that helped them adjust to the outside, and that helped their families, as well.
"It has done a great deal for me," said one woman, out of prison now for five years. "We're not bad people; we just made bad choices."
"Lots of girls are scared to come out," said another.
A silent auction, a Valentine's dessert and barbershop music by Golden Opportunity added fun to the evening.
The group, headed by Joan Nelson and others, is two years old. To find out more, contact Nelson at joan2nelson@comcast.net.