Drop-In Center/Clothing Boutique
The Drop-In Center is the gateway to OPDC services. Here women learn about our array of services designed to support her as she defines her needs and transitions back into the community.
We provide funding to re-establish her identity with vouchers for:
- birth certificates,
- police clearances,
- identification,
- transportation tokens.
The Drop in Center also allows access to computers, a fax machine, copy machine that participants use for homework, job-searching, keeping in contact with children and related services. Our kitchen offers hot and cold drinks, snacks and small meals such as soup, pasta, oatmeal, and donated sandwiches and cakes.
We have a library, various support groups, and many volunteer opportunities for women.
In the Clothing Boutique a woman is offered a week’s worth of clothing including shoes, accessories, undergarments and toiletries.
We have found that allowing women to choose what they will wear begins the process of once again having options and exercising the right to make a personal choice.We encourage women to choose several outfits that are appropriate for job interviewing and court appearances, although they are welcome to come back for outfits specifically for such occasions. Many eagerly choose clothing for church, job interviewing and casual clothing that will allow them to play with their children . To donate or volunteer to the in the Drop In Center or Boutique, contact Agatha Malloy.
Legal Services
Our Legal Department provides legal advocacy on behalf of women while incarcerated and upon their return home. Legal services are available Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM; and Thursday 11 - 7PM.
Employment Program
Finding a job is a critical factor in successful reentry. We work to link women with employment opportunities in the DC area and equip them with the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment.
HIV/AIDS Education
Provides education on the transmission, prevention of HIV/AIDS while incarcerated and upon their return to the community. We assist women to secure health care and additional support to make their health a priority concern.
Family Transportation Program
OPDC provides low cost transportation and lodging to family members and friends visiting incarcerated women in Danbury, CT and Hazelton, WV.
Pen Pal Program
Imagine, what could happen if two women, who have never met, with different lives, in two different cities, at two different places in their lives, wrote letters to each other, back and forth?
Want to find out?
Become an OPDC Pen Pal, contact Cynthia Briggs.
"Our Place provided me with a non-drivers i.d. and a birth certificate but those weren't what gave me back my identity.
The opportunity for personal development that Our Place provided allowed me to find myself and to experience a sense of purpose I've never had. After countless abusive relationships and 3 years in prison; I've uncovered the passion and meaning I've always longed for." ~ZD
Camille's Place
Our Place, DC’s housing program, Camille’s Place, does more than put roofs over participant’s heads. It serves as an essential foundation for residents to achieve mental health, physical health, and political empowerment as women living with HIV/AIDS.
Join Our Place in bringing a little cheer to the rooms of these women with becomingME Welcome Home Packages.
Items needed are:
Personal Care:
Bath Towel & Washcloth
Bedding & Pillow
Feminine Hygiene Items (full size)
Shampoo/Conditioner (full size)
Toothbrush
Toothpaste (full size)
Mouthwash (full size)
Razor & Shaving Cream (full size)
Deodorant
Body Wash/ Bar Soap
Kleenex
Transportation Tokens
Smart-trip Card (value)
Fare-Card (value)
Tokens (value)
Extras
Homemade or purchased “Welcome Home” card
Motivational note or Letter
Items may be mailed or dropped off at our offices:
Our Place, DC
becomingME Welcome Home Packages
1518 K Street N.W.
Mezzanine Level
Washington, DC 20005
Monetary donations are also appreciated and will be used to purchase items that are not received.
Become an Our Place, DC becomingME Welcome Home Package supporter.
Please contact Desirée Venn at 202-548-2400 or via email for additional information.