There is much to celebrate as the Vermont Women's Mentoring Program approaches its first anniversary of helping female inmates leave the prison system and build new lives in their communities.

There are also challenges facing this fledgling but worthwhile program.

The needs were outlined for a group of Chittenden County women, many of them connected to the state's social service network, one night last week at the home of former Lt. Gov. Barbara Snelling.

"You are all engaged in work that needs to be done to help these women that we all care about," Snelling told the group. But, she correctly advised, "The need for mentors is enormous."

The program is a partnership among Northern New England Tradeswomen Inc., the Vermont Department of Corrections and Mercy Connections Inc.

It links inmates who are approaching their release date with a mentor outside jail. For one year, the two work together to ease the transition from the regimented world of prison to the uncertain life waiting on the outside. The challenges for both include finding housing and employment for released women, resolving complications with children, and attending appointments with doctors, the parole board, and other services.

The most important role the mentor serves is that of a friend. Those who have volunteered this year said the best thing they provided was a phone call at the end of each day to simply ask, "How did it go?"

There have been successes and failures in this first year. Some of the female inmates have re-offended and returned to prison, most for using drugs or alcohol in violation of parole restrictions. But others have made smoother transitions, and tout the mentoring partnership as one reason for their success.

Pam Greene, who coordinates the program, said the only requirements for being a mentor is willingness to listen, to be open-minded, and to enjoy a program built on mutual respect, friendship, and support.

The payoffs are not just personal. All Vermonters win when an inmate makes a successful transition from a $40,000-a-year jail cell.

This year has been a learning experience for all involved, but the Vermont Women's Mentoring Program has been largely successful. Expanding the effort is a solid plan.

The success of the program is especially important as Vermont officials and lawmakers grapple with crowding in the prison system. This program is designed to keep women out of jail; there are many reasons for all Vermonters to celebrate its success.