Tonie Willis

As a society we tend to overlook certain populations because of stigmas that may be associated with that group. Unfortunately this is true for individuals who have been previously incarcerated – especially for women. Their voices often become silenced and they are neither able to tell their story nor get the help and support they need. Where some may turn their heads, there are few people and organizations that reach out and give a helping hand. Tonie Willis is one of those people.

When a friend came home after doing ten years in prison, Tonie saw how lost he was trying to get his life in order. She decided to help him and two of his friends  with things that most people take for granted – housing, employment, even getting a birth certificate and other types of identification.

Although she had no prior training in social work or counseling, Tonie used her years of customer service experience to help them accomplish all of the above and more. She started getting phone calls from people asking if she could help them. Tonie researched the subject and found that there where more programs for men then women. She resolved to be the voice for so many women that need help. In 2010, she founded and became Director of Ardella’s House, named in honor of her mother.

Ardella’s House is a service and advocacy organization committed to helping women with criminal justice histories realize new possibilities for themselves and their families. Ardella’s House was established to offer economically and socially vulnerable adults the opportunity to become self-sufficient, responsible, contributing members of the community by providing them with amazing opportunities, and at the same time reducing recidivism amongst formerly incarcerated women.