A Pierre group that has been volunteering at the local state prison to give hope and encouragement to women for the last 4 years is taking their mission beyond prison walls. Magdalene is starting a program to help those released from the State Women’s prison continue their path to a positive, fulfilling life in Pierre and Fort Pierre.
“In working with the women at the prison, we found that many would like to stay in our area and contribute to the community,” said Deacon Brad Palmer of SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. “But to do that successfully, they need a support system that helps fill emotional and practical gaps.”
So that’s exactly what Palmer set out to do through a new program called Magdalene. The freshly-formed group provides book studies and grace to those who are still incarcerated at the women’s prison with the goal of offering mentorship, education, and life assistance to those transitioning back into community life.
One of Magdalene’s first orders of business is garnering assistance from the community to provide life assistance to recently released women. Jennie Palmer, Magdalene Director of Development, says that sometimes it’s the small things.
“The women are given a Ziploc bag of toiletries when they exit the prison. These toiletries currently do not include feminine products, which is a necessity,” Palmer said. “We are trying to get enough product to fill this need and lessen the burden as these women transition back into their communities and homes. We are hoping the communities of Pierre and Fort Pierre will help.”
Magdalene is hosting a community-wide feminine product drive through Feb. 21, 2022, with donation boxes at over twenty locations throughout the community. Additionally, a donation event will be held at the St. Charles Lounge on Saturday, Feb. 19 from 7-9pm. The event, held in partnership with the Farr House, will start in the evening and will feature specials and themed activities. During the drive, monetary donations will also be accepted through Cash App to $MagdaleneDakota and by check.
“Our goal is to collect enough tampons and pads so each woman leaving prison will have a small supply upon release,” Palmer said. “The prison releases about 15 women a week.” We also want to raise awareness that there are mothers, daughters, and sisters at the Women’s Prison who share our community with us and that we care about them.
Donation boxes can be found at Avera St. Mary’s facilities, Andrea Royer Studio, Beck Motors, Oahe Federal Credit Union, St. John’s Catholic Church, Rustic River Boutique, Pure Bliss, Branding Iron Bistro, Beautifully & Wonderfully Made Yoga Center, Miracle Mile Laundry, A Cut in Style, Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Paint Store Too, Oahe Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church of Pierre, and SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. This list is growing, so watch for boxes labeled Magdalene around the communities of Pierre and Fort Pierre.
The Magdalene board consists of members with a range of backgrounds including non-profit management, housing, policy, and ministry.
To learn more about Magdalene and the product drive, visit facebook.com/MagdaleneDakota or contact the group at MagdaleneDakota@gmail.com.
Jennie Palmer dropping donation box off with Andrea Royer of the Andrea Royer Studio.
Courtesy photo.
Donation box at the Paint Store.
Courtesy photo.
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