In 2022, Art4Giving donated to Girl Embracing Mothers (GEM), a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening bonds between daughters and their incarcerated mothers by providing transportation to Texas prisons for daughters to visit their mothers. These enhanced visitations include creative arts therapy, shared meals, and facilitated discussions to help reduce intergenerational trauma.
GEM’s mission is to empower K-12 girls with mothers in prison to break the cycle of incarceration and lead successful lives despite their family circumstances.
As the daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother, GEM founder and director Brittany K. Barnett, knows how important prison visits are.
“There is strong evidence that maintaining contact with one’s incarcerated parent improves a child’s emotional response to the incarceration and lowers the likelihood of recidivism among incarcerated parents. Without GEM, many daughters would be unable to visit their incarcerated moms. We are so grateful to Art4Giving, and to Ross, for this generous and much needed support.” – Brittany K. Barnett. Girls Embracing Mothers, Executive DirectorUpon release from prison, GEM encourages mothers and daughters to remain actively involved with the program, by volunteering and sharing their experiences with current participants.
“Girls Embracing Mothers is a charity that helps girls visit their incarcerated moms. I’m honored that my art can help support a cause like this. Parent-child contact and quality time are basic needs that keep the family together.” – Ross Ulbricht
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