About Us
The Need
- 1 in 12 will have a parent incarcerated before they reach adulthood.
- 1 in 28 have a parent incarcerated right now.
- With nearly two million people behind bars at any given time, the United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world. (Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023.” Prison Policy Initiative, 2023, www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/US.html. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.)
These children face significant disadvantages compared to their peers: lower levels of educational success, social exclusion, and an increased likelihood of future incarceration.
Additionally, their new caregivers must quickly adapt to their new responsibilities, while incarcerated parents are cut off from their children’s development (Parental Incarceration and the Family: Psychological and Social Effects of Imprisonment on Children, Parents, and Caregivers, May 22, 2014, by Joyce A. Arditti).
Our Story
When my husband was incarcerated, our family faced a profound shift. Focused on saving money, we had to make difficult choices, and among the first sacrifices were the sports and music lessons our kids cherished.
Considering the impact on them, already dealing with the absence of their father, I found myself tearfully discussing it with my mother. In that emotional moment, she offered a lifeline, assuring me not to worry. She pledged to cover the costs of the lessons and extracurricular activities our children loved.
This gesture was an immense relief. It meant our kids could continue participating in activities that brought them joy and valuable life lessons. Playing on teams, interacting with coaches, and setting and achieving goals contribute to their growth and resilience.
We take pride in this organization, knowing it will provide similar support to families navigating challenges like ours.
Our Mission
Inspired by this experience, I asked my friend to join me.
In January of 2024, we founded “Left Behind and Without.”
Our mission is to provide similar support to families navigating the challenges of parental incarceration. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their interests and passions, regardless of their circumstances.
We take pride in offering financial assistance for extracurricular activities, helping children affected by incarceration to thrive and grow.
Why We're Different
At Left Behind and Without, we believe that every child should have the chance to pursue activities they genuinely love.
While other organizations may offer camps or programs for children, we focus on igniting a spark of inspiration by providing access to the specific activities that excite them.
We understand that when a child is engaged in something they are passionate about, it doesn’t feel like an obligation—it feels like joy. This joy can be the key to unlocking their potential and shaping their future.
We’re here to ensure that every child affected by incarceration has the opportunity to discover and nurture that spark, making a lasting difference in their lives.