• Our Place helps women build a foundation on which to sustain themselves and their children by providing a safe space to visit upon their release from custody - one that is non-judgmental, void of red tape and that addresses their urgent needs. We encourage education, patience, self-reliance, accountability, responsibility and initiative.

 

Our Executive Director
Ashley McSwain, MSW, MSOD

  • Almo Carter with Executive Director Ashley McSwain

Founder Passes the Torch

 

Susan Galbraith remains committed to Our Place DC and now serves on the Brenda Smith Scholarship Fund Committee. 

Staff at Our Place DC

 

Our Place, DC is blessed with a caring and committed staff.  Lead program staff include:


 Drop In Center & Boutique
Agatha Malloy

 

Legal Program
Michelle Bonner

 

Employment Program

Carol Middlebrough


HIV/AIDS
Diane Carter

Katherine Berringer

 

Reentry Demonstration Project

Cherie Lindsay, MHS

Sarah Mullen


For a comprehensive staff directory please click here.




A Woman Specific Model

Our Place, DC's Reentry Demonstration Project is designed to provide concrete data and information about what makes the difference for women's successful reentry into the community after a period of incarceration.  Research shows that for women, quality relationships that support their new goals and vision of their lives makes the difference.  Cherie D. Lindsay, case manager, has been a part of the OPDC family since 2005, says "Relationships often lead women into difficulties that end in arrest and incarceration. By building new relationships with family, mentors, and support systems it creates the possibilities for a new and fulfilling life."  

OPDC will provide 80 women with case management support and document which supports are critical in enabling them to build new lives.  Participants for the Reentry Demonstration Project will be drawn from DC's Correctional Treatment Facility, the Federal Detention Center- Philadelphia and Secure Female Facility Hazelton, WV.


Board of Directors: Strategic Vision for Future Growth


The BOD is engaged in strategic visioning for Our Place, DC's future including ensuring its financial health and stability. 

OPDC especially thanks, Judge Gladys Kessler, Aurie T. Hall, and Jonathan Smith for their years of dedicated service. 

 

Meet the Distinguished Board of Our Place, DC

Rebecca Milliken, Chair

Matthew G. Kaiser, Vice Chair

John Wimberly, Jr., Treasurer

Jason Ziedenberg, Secretary

Joyce Stanley Batipps

Tene Dolphin

Amy Fettig

Gracia Hillman

Judge Gladys Kessler

Jody Kent Lavy

Jessica Nickel

Carol Randolph

Brenda Smith