This sister is different

Jessica* is not the typical prisoner that we serve in reentry: she doesn't come from a life of poverty, she has attended college, and she has experience legally earning a living out in free society.

But she's typical in another way: she's a victim of domestic abuse.

After she got out of prison, Jessica's father offered her to stay in a property he owned... together with a relative she knew to be violent.

That's why she was so relieved when she found a Muslim brother with good character who was interested in marriage.

She moved in with him... only to find herself in a physically abusive and controlling relationship once more.

A few years and a child later, this man ended up behind bars (likely for life), leaving her to fend for herself again.

Her only other option: to stay with her abusive relative.

A different kind of help

Thankfully, Jessica remembered Tayba from her time in prison and reached out to us.

Unlike our "typical" reentry clients, she didn't initially need help paying the bills or finding a job: she ran a successful business along with a side gig selling products online.

What she did need was a friendly ear: another Muslim to talk to (she was not in touch with any) who would tell her that it was OK for her to protect herself against abuse even if it meant getting a relative in trouble with the police.

Turning a new page

Alhamdulillah, Jessica was able to muster the courage to call the police on her abusive relative.

Unfortunately, this upset her father, who kicked her out onto the street with her 4-year old child.

The Tayba team scrambled to get her immediate assistance and, alhamdulillah, were able to help her take herself and her 4-year old child out of danger to a different city.

While she lost the financial cushion of having a free place to stay, we are helping her to reestablish her life in a new place.

She's even continuing her Islamic education, despite everything that's on her plate.

Par for the course

Jessica's background may be unusual for a prisoner, but her situation isn't:

Nearly 60% of women in US state prisons have a history of physical or sexual abuse.

Another common problem? Being rejected by family and left to fend for yourself out of prison.

Many Tayba students are rejected by family because of their Islam. Jessica's rejected her because she called the police on a relative.

In either case, the Tayba team is frequently the only source of support these Muslims could rely on.

They're relying on you

Jessica and her child are safe and full of hope for the future thanks to your support.

Many of your brothers and sisters are thriving and staying free because of the reentry services you make possible.

*name changed to protect her privacy