What is Gangsta Goddess, and who is it for?
Gangsta Goddess is a free, West Virginia-specific starting point for women leaving prison and rebuilding their lives. The resource directory and guides cover housing, work, legal help, health, family, and other next steps.
Family members, trusted supporters, case workers, and community partners can use the information too. We connect people to possible next doors; we are not a replacement for a local provider or qualified professional.
Do I need to register or make an account?
No. You can browse the site, read the guides, and use the directory without creating an account. You also do not have to join the newsletter to use the site or download the Reentry Resource Sheet.
If you use the contact form, it asks for information that helps us respond, such as your name, email, and message. A phone number and help type are optional. Sending a message does not guarantee a response or assistance.
Is this confidential? What information does the site collect?
We do not sell or rent personal information, but no online service can promise absolute confidentiality or perfect security. Please share only what you are comfortable sending online, and do not put emergency details in a form.
The contact form may receive your name, email, message, optional phone number, help type, and campaign or referring-page information. Site analytics may record the page you visit, referrer, browser information, UTM values, and a shortened hash of your IP address. Some pages also use browser storage for analytics, attribution, or the notice about browser storage. Read the Privacy Policy before sending information, and review the privacy practices of third-party providers before contacting them.
Can I use this information if I am outside West Virginia?
Yes, anyone can read the site from anywhere. Most of the directory, phone numbers, guides, and eligibility information are focused on West Virginia, so a provider may not serve you if you live elsewhere. We cannot promise out-of-state service or statewide eligibility for every listing.
If you are outside West Virginia, use the ideas here as a starting point and look for your local 211, legal-aid program, health department, or reentry organization. You can still browse the resource directory to understand the kinds of help to ask for.
Does it cost anything?
The Gangsta Goddess site, guides, directory, and resource sheet are free to browse or download. You do not have to pay us to read the information.
Third-party programs set their own fees, screening rules, availability, and eligibility. Some services may be free or have reduced-cost options; others may charge. Ask the provider before traveling or sharing sensitive information, and read our Terms of Service for more about outside resources.
Can you help me find an attorney?
We can help you find a place to start, but we do not provide legal representation or create an attorney-client relationship. Browse the Legal Aid resources, review the know-your-rights guide, or call Legal Aid WV at 866-255-4370 to ask about eligibility and available help.
Provider acceptance, income rules, location, wait times, and the kind of help available can vary. For a specific legal problem, verify the information with a qualified attorney or legal-aid program.
What should I do in an emergency?
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental-health or suicide crisis, call or text 988. For West Virginia food, shelter, transportation, healthcare, and other basic-needs referrals, dial 211. HELP4WV can also connect West Virginians with behavioral-health, crisis, and recovery support at 1-844-435-7498.
The Gangsta Goddess contact form is not monitored as an emergency service. The first 72 hours guide has these numbers together with practical first steps.
Can family members and supporters use this site?
Yes. A mother, sister, partner, adult child, friend, case worker, or other trusted person can use these resources to help someone plan for housing, transportation, documents, health, work, and family reconnection.
Start with For Loved Ones for practical guidance, then share the resource directory or the first-days-home guides with the person returning home. Let her choose what feels safe and useful.
Where should I start in the first 72 hours or first week?
Start with safety and the basics: keep release papers, medications, and your phone together; make a transportation plan; find a safe place to sleep; and call 211 or HELP4WV if food, shelter, or other essentials are not lined up.
Then take one manageable step at a time. Use Your First 72 Hours for the first three days and Your First Week Out for the next seven days. You do not have to solve everything on day one.
How do I report an outdated resource or contact the team?
Tell us what needs attention through the contact page. Include the resource name, the changed phone number or link, and what you found, but do not send private details you do not need to share.
We work to keep the directory useful, but hours, eligibility, prices, programs, and contact details can change. Verify important information with the provider before relying on it. Please do not use the contact form for an emergency.
These answers are general information and local starting points, not legal, medical, financial, or emergency advice. Read the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for the full site disclosures.