Women Over Dinner New Orleans, Friday November 13

Give Miami Day is November 19. Early giving opens the 15th

P4E Fellowship now accepting applications for women and men!

We are accepting housing applications!

October 2026

October newsletter

October is a reminder that awareness must lead to action.

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we're shining a light on the challenges women face, especially those impacted by incarceration, poverty, and systems that too often leave them without the care and support they deserve.

From access to breast cancer screenings and preventive healthcare to recognizing the many forms of domestic violence, these conversations are about more than awareness. They're about protecting lives, strengthening communities, and making sure no woman is left behind.

And as we close out October, we're carrying that same commitment into the months ahead through advocacy, education, housing, and opportunities that help people reclaim their futures.

Here's what we've been up to and what's coming next!

Faces of Women Imprisoned takes the stage at UJC Summit

Dr. Topeka K. Sam stands on stage with three Faces of Women Imprisoned panelists in front of the UJC Summit backdrop.
Dr. Topeka K. Sam with the Faces of Women Imprisoned panelists at the 2026 UJC Summit.

Our stories hold power and our voices deserve to be heard. The LOHM was proud to lead the Faces of Women Imprisoned panel at the 2026 United Justice Coalition Summit in New York City.

Dr. Topeka K. Sam, in a gold suit, speaks into a microphone while holding her UJC Summit notes.
Dr. Topeka K. Sam moderates the panel.

Moderated by our Founder and CEO, Dr. Topeka K. Sam, the conversation featured Michelle West, attorney Marcy Bryan Croft, and filmmaker Starling Thomas, who shared powerful perspectives on incarceration, freedom, healing, and the importance of women telling their own stories.

Four women sit in white chairs on stage beneath a large UJC Summit sign as one panelist speaks into a microphone.
The Faces of Women Imprisoned panel in conversation.

Beyond the stage, we connected with advocates, community leaders, and supporters committed to creating change. We also shared our Rewriting Her Story books, helping bring the stories of justice-impacted women to new audiences.

Two women at The LOHM's table talk with a visitor holding papers, with Rewriting Her Story books and butterfly merchandise spread across the table.
Sharing Rewriting Her Story at The LOHM's table.

The message was clear: women closest to these experiences must be part of shaping the solutions. Watch the full panel at the link below.

Watch the panel

From reentry to real opportunity: The LOHM takes the stage in Reno

Dr. Topeka K. Sam stands smiling with three women wearing conference badges at the Western Region Reentry Summit.
The LOHM at the Western Region Reentry Summit in Reno, Nevada.

Reentry is more than coming home. It's having the resources, stability, and opportunities to build a life beyond incarceration.

The LOHM brought that message to the Western Region Reentry Summit in Reno, Nevada, where our Founder and CEO, Dr. Topeka K. Sam, delivered a keynote address. Joining the conversation were Judith Negron, our Pathways 4 Economic Empowerment (P4E) Director, and Demetrice Morris, our Housing Director, sharing perspectives from our work creating pathways to economic independence and stable housing.

Together, we reinforced a powerful truth: freedom is only the beginning. Real second chances require real investment.

Learn more about the summit

Save the date: Give Miami 5K

The Give Miami 5K Race and Festival presents a live performance by Flo Rida. Nov. 15. Festival opens 8:30 AM, performance at 10:00 AM. Nonprofit activations, live DJs, food trucks and kids' zone. RSVP for the free festival at GiveMiami5K.org/Festival. Hosted by The Miami Foundation as part of Give Miami Day.

We're kicking off Give Miami Day with the Give Miami 5K & Festival on November 15! Join Team LOHM as we walk for freedom, opportunity, and a future without poverty and incarceration.

Stick around for a FREE festival featuring a live performance by Flo Rida, music, food trucks, family activities, and an opportunity to connect with The LOHM!

Sunday, November 15 | Festival opens at 8:30 AM

Join the LOHM 5K team

RSVP to the festival

New Orleans, let's come together!

Women Over Dinner New Orleans, presented by The LOHM and Women Over Dinner. Friday, November 13, 2026. Seats are limited. Women smile and raise their hands around dinner tables.

On Friday, November 13, The LOHM and Women Over Dinner (WOD) are bringing the very first WOD to New Orleans in support of the women of Hope House NOLA.

An evening of good food, meaningful conversations, and sisterhood, all for a greater purpose. Every seat at the table helps support women rebuilding their lives and reminds us that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

Be part of the first. Save your seat.

Save your seat

Learn AI skills you can actually use!

New virtual AI course begins November 3

The LOHM AI Course: practical skills for work, business and everyday life. Begins Nov 3rd, 6:00 PM ET via Google Meet. Learn the basics of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude and how to use AI tools to make your work easier, be more creative and get more done.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, create, and do business. We want to make sure our communities have the tools to keep up and get ahead.

The LOHM is offering a new virtual AI course designed to help participants build practical skills using tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, looking to grow professionally, or simply curious about AI, this course is for you. No experience required!

  • Starts: November 3, 2026
  • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 PM ET
  • Where: Virtual via Google Meet

You'll learn how to use AI to create content and graphics, write emails, brainstorm business ideas, improve productivity, and make everyday tasks easier.

Ready to build your skills?

Register for the AI course

Your healing matters. Your voice matters.

FOWI Healing Hub applications are open!

A FOWI program by The LOHM. A safe space to heal and grow. A space to build skills, find support, and create change. Your voice matters here. Applications open. Co-ed cohort begins November 17, 2026. Powered by West Harlem Development Corporation.

We are excited to welcome men and women in Harlem to the next FOWI Healing Hub, a FREE six-week program designed to support healing, build confidence, and create new opportunities for growth.

Through storytelling, public speaking, digital and financial empowerment, mental health tools, and entrepreneurship, participants will gain practical skills while connecting with a supportive community.

The co-ed cohort begins November 17, 2026. Applications are now open!

Apply to the FOWI Healing Hub

Make an impact

Help us keep hope moving forward

Two women smile with their arms around each other in front of The LOHM's booth at the UJC Summit.
Your support helps us keep showing up for our community.

Your generosity makes this work possible.

Every day, women and families are navigating the challenges of incarceration, reentry, housing instability, and limited access to opportunity. But with the right support, new possibilities open.

Your gift helps us continue creating pathways to housing, healing, education, and economic empowerment.

Because hope changes lives when we put it into action.

Give today