Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners (FIWP), with assistance from this DMIEC First Sunday Collection, will fund scholarships in higher education for women while they are residents in the Iowa correctional system. FIWP reflects a growing emphasis in the U.S. justice system on rehabilitation over punishment, aiming to address root causes of incarceration such as substance abuse, mental health issues, and generational trauma. Education is a significant component in the rehabilitation process.

The Iowa Department of Corrections has resources to fund only the costs associated with a high school equivalency diploma.  College credit courses are available to residents, but they must pay the costs unless they’re eligible for federal education grant programs. FIWP can support those not eligible.

The Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners (a Sec. 501(c)(3) organization) accepts educational assistance applications from women in prison. Women who demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing educational goals are strongly encouraged to apply for FIWP scholarships.

For more information, visit https://www.friendsofiowawomenprisoners.org

Write checks either to “FIWP, Des Moines” with “DMIEC” in the memo line or to “DMIEC” with “First Sunday” in the memo line.   Checks should be mailed to: DMIEC, P.O. Box 12022, Des Moines, IA 50312.

To be included in the amount DMIEC sends to the organization First Sunday checks must be received by DMIEC by October 20th; if you elect to contribute to the First Sunday recipient after that date, please mail your check (made payable to FIWP, Des Moines with “DMIEC” in the memo line) directly to Friends of Iowa Women Prisoners, P.O. Box 71272, Clive, IA 50325 and, if comfortable, let DMIEC’s Social Justice Committee Chair Kathy Eastman know the amount to assist in recording our community’s giving.