EMPOWERING WOMEN BEHIND BARS.
Empowered Women of God International, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to empower incarcerated women to break generational cycles of abuse, addiction, and criminal behavior through spiritual transformation, trauma healing, and mentorship, leading to lasting change through Jesus Christ. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Empowered Women of God aims to free women from the harmful relationships that lead them towards self-destruction and recidivism.
Breaking Cycles
Established in 2015, Empowered Women of God currently operates in multiple facilities across 10 states and has positively impacted the lives of over 4,000 inmates. Empowered Women of God helps incarcerated women envision a bright and productive future upon their release by addressing their trauma in a spiritual context to promote behavioral change. Current expansion plans will allow the organization to reach and empower thousands more women in the very near future.
Never Again!
Sherry shares her personal story of overcoming domestic abuse.
A Vision of Hope
In February 2015, Sherry Sims shared her personal story of surviving domestic abuse with the female inmates of the Washington County Correctional Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Sherry’s story of heartbreak and redemption through God’s love resonated deeply with the inmates. Though these women lived very different lives, they were bonded by common experiences. On that day, sixteen out of the twenty-nine attendees were moved to accept Christ.
Trauma Behind Bars
The majority of incarcerated women are survivors of abuse. Nearly 75% of incarcerated women have experienced domestic violence in the year leading up to their offense, and over 90% have endured domestic abuse during their adult lives (The Prison Policy Initiative, 2017; Bureau of Justice Statistics, 1999). Understanding the link between victimization and incarceration is crucial.
Transforming Lives Together
Comprehensive, faith-based programs designed to address trauma and create lasting transformation
"Searching for Love"
A book has the power to travel faster and further than one person ever could. This outreach initiative focuses on distributing “Searching for Love”, a mini book that shares founder Sherry Sim’s powerful personal testimony of how surviving two abusive relationships led to her salvation through Christ. Each copy includes a prepaid business reply postcard, allowing recipients to connect by marking milestones such as receiving Christ, requesting more information about The Freedom Project Correspondence Course.
The Freedom Project
“The Freedom Project” is a 30-lesson, faith-based correspondence course. It focuses on essential life skills while fostering a connection with God. Unlike other programs that mainly teach coping skills, this initiative facilitates true change by spiritually addressing the root issues of trauma that lead women back to abusive relationships, thereby reducing the likelihood of recidivism. The program is presented in a relatable and accessible format, and covers various topics, including communication, personal care, and forgiveness, one chapter at a time.
Testimonials
Empowered by faith and support, we found hope.
“As a Chaplain in a women’s prison for 22 years, I have seen many books, large and small, but “Searching for Love” is one of the BEST. It is easily understood, and women are able to relate to each and every chapter. I highly recommend this book.”
Retired Chaplain Kathey McCollum
“I just read Searching for Love. I, too, am a victim of domestic violence. I fought back, and my abuser lost his life, hence why I’m in jail. While in jail (and before jail), God had been calling me to turn over my life to Him. However, I’m very hard-headed and have not fully surrendered myself and my life. I’m very interested in receiving your material and guidance. Please send me anything you have that may help me on my spiritual journey.”
A.H.
– Tulsa, Oklahoma
“I love each and every one of these studies. I still have every single one because they mean that much to me. They have truly helped me in my walk with the Lord God Almighty. I pray that these studies have as much meaning to [others] as they do in my life.”
L.W.
– Taft, Oklahoma
“I struggled for years to even read the Bible due to a bad experience where the Bible was read during the times I was beat[en] by my husband. Since then, I have begun reading the Bible and trying to live according to God’s will. I feel that I make more progress daily and even more since beginning my studies with Empowered Women of God. I discover something new about myself with each study.”
K.L.
– Shawnee, Oklahoma
Making an Impact
Empowered Women of God aims for every inmate to experience salvation, freedom, hope, and empowerment. As a result of its efforts, the organization has seen the following impacts:
