Ardella’s House began with a deeply personal calling—a daughter’s tribute to her mother, and a woman’s unwavering commitment to other women and girls who are too often forgotten. Founded in 2010 by Tonie Willis, Ardella’s House was born from lived experience and a powerful understanding: that when a woman or girl goes to prison, her whole family—her children, her community—serves time with her. And when she comes home, she is often returning to nothing: no job, no home, no support.
Tonie named Ardella’s House after her late mother, a woman whose strength and spirit continue to inspire the work. What began as a vision of dignity and second chances has grown into a city-wide movement for justice, healing, and empowerment for women and girls with criminal justice histories. Today, Ardella’s House is a trusted service and advocacy organization that provides a comprehensive network of support designed to meet women and girls where they are—and walk beside them as they rebuild their lives.
Every year, we serve hundreds of women, girls, and their families through an integrated continuum of care that addresses five critical areas: livelihood, housing, family, health and wellness, and criminal justice compliance. Whether a woman or girl is still incarcerated, recently released, or has been navigating reentry for years, we provide her with the tools, community, and confidence she needs to move forward.
Our services span both correctional facilities and community settings. From pre-release mentoring and transitional housing to workforce development and trauma-informed counseling, our programs are designed to support women and girls at every step of their journey. We also know that healing is about more than services—it’s about systems.
That’s why we launched the Institute on Women & Criminal Justice, a research and policy initiative that brings the voices and experiences of justice-impacted women and girls to the forefront of public discourse. Through advocacy, policy change, and rigorous research, we are reshaping how society understands—and responds to—the needs of women and girls in the criminal justice system.
Ardella’s House is more than a program. It is a lifeline. A sisterhood. A home. And for Tonie, it is a sacred legacy. It is where her mother’s name lives on, and where her own spirit is nourished each day by the courage and resilience of the women and girls she serves. Together, we are building a future where justice means restoration, where every woman and girl has the chance to rise, and where no one is defined by their worst mistake.
Tonie named Ardella’s House after her late mother, a woman whose strength and spirit continue to inspire the work. What began as a vision of dignity and second chances has grown into a city-wide movement for justice, healing, and empowerment for women and girls with criminal justice histories. Today, Ardella’s House is a trusted service and advocacy organization that provides a comprehensive network of support designed to meet women and girls where they are—and walk beside them as they rebuild their lives.
Every year, we serve hundreds of women, girls, and their families through an integrated continuum of care that addresses five critical areas: livelihood, housing, family, health and wellness, and criminal justice compliance. Whether a woman or girl is still incarcerated, recently released, or has been navigating reentry for years, we provide her with the tools, community, and confidence she needs to move forward.
Our services span both correctional facilities and community settings. From pre-release mentoring and transitional housing to workforce development and trauma-informed counseling, our programs are designed to support women and girls at every step of their journey. We also know that healing is about more than services—it’s about systems.
That’s why we launched the Institute on Women & Criminal Justice, a research and policy initiative that brings the voices and experiences of justice-impacted women and girls to the forefront of public discourse. Through advocacy, policy change, and rigorous research, we are reshaping how society understands—and responds to—the needs of women and girls in the criminal justice system.
Ardella’s House is more than a program. It is a lifeline. A sisterhood. A home. And for Tonie, it is a sacred legacy. It is where her mother’s name lives on, and where her own spirit is nourished each day by the courage and resilience of the women and girls she serves. Together, we are building a future where justice means restoration, where every woman and girl has the chance to rise, and where no one is defined by their worst mistake.
