Rising Stars: Meet Patricia Plum of Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Plum

Hi Patricia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised here in Arizona in a loving family, but despite this, I struggled deeply with self-esteem and feelings of “never being enough.” In high school, I sought connection and value, which ultimately led me down a difficult path. At the age of 17, I was involved in a car accident that tragically took the life of a young girl named Hannah. In 2001, I was incarcerated, spending years within the prison system.

When I was released in 2007, I was changed but not fully transformed. For years, I continued to struggle until I returned to school, earning a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s in Social Work. I found my passion in helping others and began working as a therapist. In 2017, I opened my private practice, and in 2022, I co-founded A Place for Hannah—an organization dedicated to providing mental health support to women in and out of prison.

Today, we serve hundreds of women each year through mental health classes, therapy, holiday celebrations, and programs designed to foster connection and self-esteem. Our mission is to ensure no woman feels alone and to build a strong, supportive tribe for those who need it most.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Much of my journey has involved battling my own mind—working through my past, my grief, and my fears. The mental health, non profit, and social work industries can also be incredibly challenging. Funding is a constant struggle, and many times we’re scraping by just to continue serving the women who need us most.

Even now, I face struggles daily, but I’ve come to understand that life is full of challenges. What matters is how we navigate them and the resilience we build along the way. Through every hardship, I’ve learned to keep pushing forward because the mission is worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At A Place for Hannah, we are dedicated to unleashing a bright future for previously incarcerated women in Arizona. Our mission is to connect these women to essential economic, emotional, and community support—vital resources that empower them to rebuild their lives and create strong, lasting foundations.

We believe in the power of women, especially mothers, to drive generational change. By fostering resilience and providing comprehensive support, we aim to break cycles of disadvantage, helping women and their families build healthier futures and stronger communities throughout Arizona.

What sets us apart is our commitment to serving women both inside and outside prison walls. We provide mental health classes within the prison system and host connection-focused events for those re-entering society. These offerings are designed to promote healing, build self-esteem, and establish a sense of belonging.

We are proud of the impact we’ve made—bringing hope and connection to hundreds of women each year. However, our work relies on the support and collaboration of the community. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for these women and their families.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I served time in prison. People often judge based on appearances, and I don’t “look like” someone who has been incarcerated. This is a powerful reminder that everyone has a story beneath the surface, and it’s part of why I’m so passionate about the work I do today—breaking down stigma, fostering understanding, and supporting others in rewriting their own stories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://apfhaz.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceforhannah/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089318241400