Barbara Brennan helps former inmates reintegrate into society

Barbara Brennan, 45, is a former inmate who is helping other women transition back to life after prison. After serving time for shoplifting, she faced difficulties when she was released, including homelessness and the loss of her home. When Barbara got out of prison in March 2024, she only had $300 from the government. She struggled to find work, and initially thought about shoplifting again. However, the thought of her daughter motivated her to make better choices. "There’s no way I'm going down that road again," she said. While in prison, Barbara noticed that many women were bored and anxious. To help them cope, she created support activities like daily yarning circles and bingo games. These initiatives made a big difference, as women lined up to participate. After her release, Barbara spent nine months without a stable home. She faced long waiting lists for public housing, which made her situation even harder. She believes many women leave prison with complex backgrounds and need better support to prevent reoffending. Statistics show that recidivism rates have increased in recent years. To address these challenges, Barbara is starting an Aboriginal-owned corporation that will provide lawn mowing jobs for women coming out of prison. She also founded "Bars Behind Me," an advocacy group aimed at connecting with women before they leave jail. Barbara is working on a pen pal program and an online yarning circle to help women set goals. She plans to lead by example, offering gardening work for former inmates who need an income. Her mission is to make sure women have the support they need as they re-enter society.