New year, new outreach to mothers with sons involved in the justice system

As we approach 2018, I am excited to announce my new venture, the "Heart-to-Heart Speaking Tour" for churches in the Las Vegas area titled, "Mass Incarceration and its Effects on Families and Communities."The goal is to encourage churches to advocate for criminal justice reform and/or to consider a ministry to support/mentor those in jail or prison, on parole or probation, or families with a loved one involved in the justice system.As the mother of a now-deceased son who spent much of his adult life in New York State prisons and the grandmother of three grandsons currently in custody, I know the huge impact incarceration can have on families.For too many years, I felt helpless and hopeless about my son's incarceration.Other mothers should not have to face these feelings alone; hence, my mission to support, educate, and empower mothers.To promote equal justice in America, those most affected by failed criminal justice policies should have a voice in any reforms. This should include the mothers of inmates.Through One Mother's Voice: In the Name of Justice, I will continue my outreach to the thousands of mothers with sons in prison.To that end, we are developing a revised format for 2018 that will include interviews with mothers who can give voice and witness to the collateral damage of incarceration for families.If you would like to share your story, contact omvforyou@gmail.com.