ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Shimere Shanklin opened her reentry home with tears in her eyes and a message.

“Just taking it all in for a second,” she said before taking a pause. “Purpose can rise from pain.”

On Wednesday, Shanklin opened what she describes as a “symbol of second chances and sisterhood.” The opening of the Sisters By Love House featured criminal justice activists from the community and country, politicians and MK Pritzker, the First Lady of Illinois.

“I just feel so much hope for the women who will be here,” celebrated Shanklin.

The Prison Policy Initiative reports around 2.5 million women are released from jail or prison each year in the U.S. It adds Illinois incarcerates women at a higher rate than nearly every other country on Earth.

The Sisters By Love House will welcome formerly incarcerated women on Rockford’s southeast side. Shanklin, who once served time behind bars, serves as its director.

Sisters By Love joins the SAFE Housing Network: a collective providing “a model and framework for supporting formerly incarcerated individuals nationwide.” Founder Susan Burton commended Shanklin and others for opening Illinois’ first SAFE House in Rockford.

“It speaks to what can happen when we support one another,” said Burton. “It’s a pleasure to support Rockford.”

Pritzker toured the property alongside Willette Benford; the two focus on addressing barriers women face leaving prison.

“This house signifies more than a shelter. It embodies our belief that every woman deserves dignity, stability and the opportunity to rebuild her life,” said Pritzker. “By investing in women and safe housing, we foster stronger families.”

Leaders like State Rep. Dave Vella (D-Rockford), State Rep. Maurice West (D-Rockford), State Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) and Mayor Tom McNamara also celebrate the new home.

“Just know that the city of Rockford certainly and strongly supports second chances,” declared McNamara.

West remarked how without a stable home, women may not have the hope to stay out of prison.

“This is the what real public safety looks like,” he contended. “It’s not just about policing. It’s about showing love and being preventative in terms of things that’s happening in our communities. Every woman who stabilizes her life becomes a taxpayer, a homeowner, a business starter.”

Following her introductory remarks, tears returned during an interview with Shanklin. The director appeared awestruck by the day.

“I’ll never forget this moment.” She claims seeing the living room filled with roughly 55 people provided her hope. “It goes to show the need and how much people really support not just formerly incarcerated people, but formerly incarcerated women.”

When finishing her remarks to attendees, Shanklin stressed her home will reduce recidivism.

“That makes our neighborhood stronger, safer, and more connected as a whole. Y’all heard that?”

Applications for incarcerated women are making the rounds at the Logan Correctional Center. Shanklin explains reentry counselors will connect those interested in moving to Rockford with her home.

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