Support for Female Reentry

Peggy Sims is a long-time activist within the community, a voice for the poor, the displaced, and the oppressed. She has represented her community in fighting for justice for all; including work to improve the conditions for deaf row inmates and incarcerated females. She has been awarded for community service from numerous organizations including the NAACP, State Senator Shirley Kitchen, LeAnna Washington and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She graduated with a business degree from Pierce College. Ms. Sims’ has been recognized by the office of the Governor, the Advisory Committee of African American Affairs, and Germantown Mennonite Church for her work with returning citizens of Pennsylvania.

In November of 2009, Peggy saw a need in the community and founded Sisters Returning Home (SRH) a not for profit organization that provides services and support to women who are recently released from prison. The program assists women with reintegrating back into society. She organizes groups of mentors to provide ongoing support for female ex-offender in transitions. Design a process for women returning to the community to obtain a personal care package to address basic needs including toiletries, clothes, bedding, transportation and shelter. She advocates to ensure that fair treatment of returning citizens. 

Ms. Sims meets with community organizers, state representatives, council representatives and state senators to obtain funding to support the needs of the not for profit. She shares her vision and challenges for reentry services and nonprofit management with students at Villanova University in their annual panel discussions with the Services Learning students. Ms. Sims sits on the board of De La Salle Institute for Advancement Teaching and Learning Explorer Connection and Service Learning at LaSalle University and the Pennsylvania Law Project.