Mother's Day, All Aboard!

Hand-made cards and gifts, preparing her favorite breakfast celebrate Mother’s Day. What if mom lives far away? Come aboard a bus ride that gives children a memorable Mother’s Day visit with their moms who are at the women’s prison in Vandalia, MO.

Being with mom on Mother’s Day is special. But for children with a mother in prison, celebrations are often difficult.   Visiting her offers hope.  It is with enthusiasm that 35 children dressed in their Sunday best board a bus to have a Mother’s Day visit with their mom at the women’s prison in Vandalia, MO.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that more than 1.7 million children under the age of 18 have a parent in a state or federal prison. Many of these children have only played with their mothers in a playground that is surrounded by barbed wire fences. Although moments of family happiness are rare in their experience, they do love their mom.

They treasure each visit with her. Each visit creates a memorable story of family.

Let’s Start has provided a prison visitation program for 12 years.  The children themselves know how important these visits are.  One little girl had this to say:  “I had a great time with my mommy. I love every visit that we have because it’s bad enough that my mommy’s not here to see me grow up.  So I’m thankful to see my mommy all the time.  We have a huge great mommy daughter relationship. I love my mommy so much.”   

Let's Start is a process dedicated to assisting women in transition from prison life to society. It is unique in that it is coordinated by women who themselves have been through the criminal justice system. Jackie Toben, SSND is the Director of Let’s Start, located in St. Louis, MO.