During 2008, 321 people in Nashville were arrested for prostitution, many of them multiple times and nearly all of them women.  This population faces enormous challenges when they are released from jail or prison.  Typically, these women have histories of abuse – both physical and sexual – and chemical dependency.  Many of them have lost custody of their children, and many of them are mentally ill.  They are often too poor to overcome these problems on their own, and have lengthy criminal histories that make it difficult for them to find legal employment.  Due to these pressures, relapse is often inevitable. 

The Project participants, all of whom will come from a jail setting, will become sober and medically stable before beginning their recovery.  Upon their release from custody, they will enter Peace Unlimited, a recovery home chosen for this Project.  They will also enroll in alcohol and drug treatment as needed, and they will have all necessary appointments with primary care doctors and psychiatrists.  In turn, Sycamore will provide for their first month’s rent, bus passes, clothing, and toiletries.

The project was made possible through a generous $10,000 gift from the Cynthia D. Schell Charitable Trust. 

The Public Defender’s Office is excited about this new opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our clients.  We also want to thank the District Attorney General’s Office as well as the Davidson County General Sessions Court for their willingness to divert appropriate candidates to the Project.  If you have questions about this program, please contact Mary Ann Hea at 862-5744.