Pauser gave an overview of the class and talked about social wellness. Local advocates consistently list social support as one of the most important factors for reentry success.

Pauser had struggles with mental health and substance abuse, and emphasized that self-care and good social support are a necessary part of recovery.

“I just want to say that it is so important for us to have social outlets," she said. “When I was not in recovery, well you can pretty much guess what my social outlet was.”

She asked how many of the women are constantly burning the candle at both ends, and several raised their hands in response.

“It’s really important to cut ourselves some slack here,” Pauser said. “Most of us are overworked, a lot of us are underpaid, a lot of us don’t have natural family support. That is where your family of choice is going to be coming in to assist you.”

Demeter wants to give women a chance to build that family of choice. The group will be hosting social events over the summer, like visiting the UW Arboretum and setting up pontoon rides around the lake with a picnic, Pauser said.

Pauser said she wants the women in the class to leave feeling valued.

“I just want them to be successful, and we have got to stop this revolving door in the prison system,” Pauser said.

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