- June 14, 2022 Sister Stories
By Mary Flick, CSJ
An evening of hope and progress celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Center for Women in Transition (CWIT) on May 7 in Downtown St. Louis. The event raised nearly $200,000 for much-needed services that benefit recently incarcerated women as they return to their families and communities.
The anniversary celebration also honored the nearly 2,500 women who have been served the past 25 years as well as 25 individuals who have made the comprehensive wrap-around service for women reentering the St. Louis community from jail or prison what it is today. One of those honored was Sister Rose McLarney, who served for 10 years as the first full-time executive director of CWIT. Through her work with CWIT, S. Rose helped create the Missouri Restorative Justice Coalition, and served as a member of the National Association of Restorative and Community Justice. Later, she taught restorative justice at Avila University and served as founder and board member of Journey to New Life, a re-entry living opportunity for those returning to society from the criminal justice system.
While the event celebrated the Center for Women in Transition’s past, it also called attention to its future. The name of the organization has been changed to Keyway: Center for Diversion and Reentry.
“The CWIT name does not have the same meaning as it did 25 years ago, and no longer speaks to who we are today,” said April Foster, executive director. “Our new name, Keyway: Center for Diversion and Reentry, aligns with what our mission is today: empowering women who are ready to transform their lives. We will continue to provide the toolkit necessary to make a change and to act as a guide on each woman’s journey. Keyway will continue to provide comprehensive, evidence-based services that are trauma-informed and women-centered," she said.
Sister Kathy Crowley, currently a Keyway board member, notes, "The CSJs are honored to have been so closely involved with CWIT through the years, starting with S. Rose as its first full-time director, and continuing with sisters serving as staff and board members, committee members and mentors."
“Through the years, the CSJs have helped to provide resources like housing, counseling and other basic necessities,” she says. “Our hope continues to be that the women served by Keyway can be successful and ultimately help reform the criminal justice system.”
