Monthly Archives: June 2012

Shared by Michelle

In response to these facts: Did you know? One in every 28 adults were in prison, jail, or in probation or parole in PA in 2009 (Pew Report, 2009) There are more than 1.7 million children in the United Stated with an incarcerated parent including one in 15 African American children, one in 42 Hispanic children and one in 111 caucasian children. (The Sentencing Project 2009) Over half of incarcerated fathers reported that they were the primary source of financial support for their children prior to their incarceration. (Glaze and Maruschak Incarceration and the Family: A review of Research and Promising Approaches for Serving Fathers and Families, 2008) Sometimes, its just the tree you arrived from, or just dumb choices. I have a family member that is incarcerated, but the relationship isn’t important. Having an incarcerated family member in no way impacts me. I just stay in prayer and hope the individual will become better.

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Shared by Cathy

These inmates have potential but they need more guidance. Lack of support has them continuing to mess up and come back in the system. My Husband is incarcerated and I have (?) many times but sometimes is becomes normal to them once they been in the system. Thats the way to live. I stress and get worried if he is going to be mentally stable. Support makes a difference and gives them hope to strive to be the right thing in the future for the sake of their family. Shared by anon These children have suffered terribly. 3 of their sons, my beloved nephews, have died. The other children have suffered terribly and still live with the effects, as it does the rest of us. The pain penetrates my soul daily.

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Shared by Anonymous

My wife is incarcerated, and my whole life has been interrupted, crushed emotionally, food, $, in every aspect. I visit because she needs the support. .

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Shared by Kim

In response to the posted facts: It puts me more in prayer with God, that he touches his children and shows them a different way. I pray a solution is provided somehow for their suffering. I have many family members incarcerated, and it is not trying anymore. God has given me peace w their situations. I absolutely would visit them. They are my family and they made an ill decision that cost them their freedom, but it doesn’t lessen my love for them

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Shared by Anonymous

My nephew is incarcerated. It does not have an impact on my daily routine. However I do think about him daily. I would visit him, but its too far away.

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Shared by Anonymous

In response to the posted facts: What happens to the wives and kids? Incarceration destroys families- this makes me angry. Disproportionate % of African American and Latino parents= racist system. This makes me upset and motivates me to want to learn more and organize for change. My adopted daughter is incarcerated. I carry a core grief. Knowing she’s in a system thats as she said “is only adding to her already full bag of pain” She needs counseling, anger management courses. a job, and affordable place to live. Visiting takes half a day, I visit weekly. I take time to write letters, deal with legal support, mail books, and contact other family members. I visit because I love my girl. If I didn’t come, no one would. She needs support and guidance. I need to hear and see how she’s doing.

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Shared by Sarah

These facts make me feel hopeless and defeated. My husband is incarcerated, and as a child/teen my own father. My daily routine is affected greatly, as we have 4 children, two of which are 2 years old. Its very hard taking care of a household by myself. I rely on my husband financially and physically to help me with these children. My Children miss their father and I take my children to see him. Its very difficult because they do not understand why we have to leave after and hour and why we can’t visit every day.

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Shared by Anonymous

My daughter is incarcerated. Its mostly impacted me mentally. I wonder how she is doing, and I sometimes worry about her future. I visit, because my daughter needs to know that I love her unconditionally. I do not agree with her actions but I will always love her.

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Shared by Roy

My soon to be baby mother of twins is incarcerated. Its mentally affected me. I visit to have her mind at ease.

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Shared by Janet

My friend and mother are incarcerated. Im always preparing for visits! sending letters! I work more hours for the money & gas. I always visit. I would also donate my time as a yoga teacher.

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Shared by Deb

My sons, now grown have been adversely affected by displaced memories chronicled by prison photos with their dad. How sad a lasting memory. Unfortunately, my youngest son followed suit of his step-father. I dont believe in a generational curse. No positive role models to set an example in his/their life. Post tense, my paramour od 26 years is deceased now. But the impact still lingers for me and my sons. Nothing makes up for the absence.

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FINISHED!

We wrapped up installation on the 23rd of May. Just over a month and a half’s time. Its hard to believe its all over, but the project site lives on at http://www.familyinterruptedproject.com. There will be a couple major updates and additions to the site right off the bat, along with any major project news, and the announcement of the dedication set for early fall. We have a number of mailboxes still in place, and we are relying on the good graces of the host sites to keep them for as long as they are willing. The largest QR code on the mural leads you to the “Share your Story” part of the site. Im excited to see the contributions it yields. A colossal amount of thanks to my assistants Briana Dawkins, Salaam Smith, Diana Gonzalez, Katie Lillard, Tjai, Abdullah, Koran Morris, Anthony Peel, Latasha Billington, and the men of my mural class at SCI Graterford. Additionally, a huge thank you to all of the volunteers, and families, that reached out, sharing their stories, pictures, writing, and time. Many people opened their homes to me, brought their children to our peer groups, and welcomed additional interviews and meetings. Im forever humbled by their strength and willingness to be heard. Wall Credits Click the Thumbs for a better view. All photos by Michael Reali (originally posted on 6/1/12 @ blog.ericokdeh.com)

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