The Elizabeth Kates Foundation
"Changing lives through education"
At a bend in the river, among the rolling hills of rural Goochland County, lies the Virginia Correctional Center for Women, (VCCW) where volunteers are changing lives through education.
The Elizabeth Kates Foundation, chartered in 1942, is a nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization made up entirely of volunteers. Our mission is to provide educational and vocational programs to reduce recidivism. Education is the key to a second chance in life.
Studies show that education:
• Reduces recidivism – inmates who are involved in education are 43% less likely to return to prison.
• Reduces the chance of homelessness and unemployment after release.
• Better prepares for a successful reentry into society.
According to the National Institute of Justice "recidivism is measured by criminal acts that resulted in rearrest, reconviction or the return to prison."
Educational Programs
College Courses
The Elizabeth Kates Foundation enables inmates at VCCW to take onsite community college courses in a variety of subjects. The students may earn an Associates Degree through Southside Virginia Community College’s “Campus within Walls” program. Inmates apply to The Foundation for scholarships that pay for tuition, books and supplies. The Foundation also provides scholarships for inmates to take correspondence courses through several national universities. Like many students, inmates must learn to manage their time between school, study time and their jobs.
College courses frequently include English, history, business studies, psychology and sociology. For anyone who wants to continue their studies after release, the credits earned are transferable. Inmates express their gratitude for the confidence boost that comes with passing each course.
“I would like to thank The Kates Foundation for their philanthropic services. The scholarships they offer have given me the opportunity to further my college education. I have a 4.0 GPA and plan to keep it.” —Inmate
“Unlike in the past, there are dreams and goals to achieve that are possible because of the new critical thinking process this educational journey now instills in everyday life.” —Inmate
“I know these classes are provided for educational purposes, but for an incarcerated individual they present so much more than just an education. They have rebuilt my character, my self-esteem, and confidence, and given my hope back. And that has me on the road to a better future.” —Inmate
Vocational Education
The Elizabeth Kates Foundation supports the VCCW’s successful horticulture program, which offers inmates a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificate. CTEs enable students to seek technical employment in the horticulture, landscape and nursery fields. Many women have found that this program has led to very satisfying, hands-on careers. Students in the program work all year planning, planting and growing a variety of plants for Kates Day, a one day plant sale that is open to the public, and raises funds for the program. The event also showcases the students’ tremendous efforts and cultivation skills. One graduate of the program started her own landscape design business after her release.
Literacy – Kates Readers Book Clubs
Two book clubs provide positive and supportive learning experiences to improve literacy among inmates. Kates Readers I, started in 2007, consists of women who are working toward their GED certification. Kates Readers II is for women who have completed their GEDs. The Foundation provides the books, study guides, notebooks and volunteers who facilitate engaging discussions. Participation in the book clubs promotes and strengthens analytical, critical thinking and communication skills - all of which are tested on the GED. The book clubs typically meet monthly and after each meeting the members always express their gratitude because they find the books, the topics and the discussions very meaningful and enjoyable.
Kates Readers improves individual as well as family literacy. Since most participants are mothers and grandmothers, they share their excitement about reading with their children and grandchildren in letters and during visits. One participant shared with volunteers that reading in the book club made it easier to talk to her son about his reading in school. Others send their favorite books home to share with their families. Although these women are in prison, their improved literacy positively affects everyone close to them.
“Book Club has really helped me with my reading skills.” —Inmate
“Being in Kates Readers has helped me bring my grades up.” —Inmate
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