The beginning of the school year is fast approaching and school supplies can be expensive, especially for women who are getting out of jail or prison and reconnecting with their families. Crossroads for Women in Albuquerque is holding their annual backpack and school supply drive and it ends this week.
Women who’ve served time often face challenges finding jobs and places to live. There’s also the stigma.
Crossroads Community Engagement Coordinator Dalilah Naranjo said going back to school can help women learn skills and become more independent.
"If all the women in our program had the skills that we possess, then they would be in the positions in life that we are," Naranjo said. "But they don’t possess those skills and that’s why a place like Crossroads exists, to offer that helping hand."
Naranjo said they need 65 more backpacks for their adult clients to use to use in highschool or college filled with the basics: paper, pens, binders –and now because so many things are digital – a 16GB flash drive.
All those supplies cost around $70 to $110 and Naranjo said getting that kind of support can really reduce the stress of back to school shopping.
The Crossroads Backpack and School Supply Drive ends Friday, July 26th.
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Donations can be dropped off during business hours at:
- Crossroads for Women
- 801 Tijeras NW
- Albuquerque, NM 87102
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