John,

Dream.Org is excited to introduce you to our Pennsylvania Empathy Network Leader who is leading the charge to pass the Dignity for Incarcerated Women bill.

Meet Our Empathy Network Leader:
Tonie Willis understands the hurdles women face after release from prison. Her own story began over 30 years ago when she was incarcerated on drug charges. This experience taught Tonie that it takes support systems to get one’s life back on track post-incarceration. 

Since her release, Tonie has dedicated her life to helping women impacted by the justice system. She is tirelessly advocating for the passage of the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Act in her home state of Pennsylvania. The bill seeks to end the shackling of pregnant women, provide adequate access to feminine hygiene products, and support keeping families together. 

Tonie is also the founder of Ardella’s House, a re-entry nonprofit that supports women with criminal justice histories. Dedicated to her late mother, Ardella’s House assists over 800 women and their families annually.

Tonie was recently awarded a stipend for Ardella’s House through our Empathy Network Leaders Fund, which supports the work of justice-impacted activists. 

Why it Matters:
Incarcerated women are subjected to inhumane treatment, including solitary confinement, shackles during childbirth, and lack of basic hygiene supplies. However, last year, our efforts paid off when we successfully passed the Dignity for Incarcerated Women Bill in the PA House of Representatives with a unanimous vote.

This bill will:

• Ban solitary confinement, shackling during childbirth, and the withholding of basic supplies.
• Limit strip searches and harmful interactions with male staff, ensure proper nutrition and hygiene products.
• Give children under the age of 18 visitation rights at least twice a week.
• Limit use of restraints and restrictive housing throughout pregnancy.
• Allow newborns to stay with mothers for 72 hours post delivery.
• Bring dignity and respect to incarcerated women.

Take Action:
We need your help to get this bill passed into law. Please sign our petition urging Pennsylvania lawmakers to pass Dignity for Incarcerated Women.

Click Here to Sign the Petition

We are overjoyed to partner with our amazing Empathy Network Leader Tonie Willis, fellow organizations, and all our supporters and volunteers to bring about meaningful change in Pennsylvania this year. We're grateful to have you on this journey with us as we work to make real change happen.

Thanks for being with us and for your ongoing support in creating a more just and equitable Pennsylvania.

In Solidarity
— Dream.Org