Each day a woman is released from prison with only $10 in her pocket, the clothes on her back and the determination to start over. Leslie’s Place gives her that second chance.

Leslie Brown had few resources when she was released from an Illinois prison. She founded Leslie’s Place to provide a home and support for women who, like her, were re-adjusting to society.

She soon returned to prison to motivate and inspire other women with the message that it is possible to start over. In 1994, she opened up her home and started Leslie’s Place. In its first 10 years, Leslie’s Place has provided a safe home, clothing, training, counseling and support for nearly 500 women.


Leslie Brown is the founder and director of Leslie’s Place and Support Advocates for Women.

She was called to open Leslie’s Place after her own experience in prison. Granted clemency after serving seven years of a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to commit murder of her abusive husband, Leslie returned determined to help other incarcerated women.

Leslie's Place opened in 1994 when Leslie started taking paroled women into her own home. Leslie ran the home for three years with her own income. In 1997, Leslie’s Place received its first funding from the State of Illinois.

Leslie conducts a range of support services for women in prison and just out of prison, including prison ministry and workshops on domestic violence, self-esteem, parenting, and motivation. She also speaks to many community, church and educational groups.

Crain's Chicago Business ranked Leslie as one of Chicago’s 100 most influential women of 2004. Her story has appeared in The Chicago Reporter, Sojourner Truth magazine, and Christian Reader. She has appeared on several television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, WGN-TV News, ABC 7 News and Chicago Access Network Television, as well as WGCI and WVON radio in Chicago.