To effect change in the following ways:

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Raindrops to Rainbows Parent Empowering Program:

In partnership with JP Training and Consulting Services, the Garrison & Friends Project facilitates parenting classes in the community, provides resources for underserved communities, and works to secure funding to expand the R2R Program in digital and in-person formats.

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Children's books:

Our Garrison & Friends book series addresses the common issues children may encounter when a parent or close family member becomes incarcerated. The first section of these books speaks directly to children and offers them information and support from children who are just like them. The back sections are written for adults. One section is for caregivers by Juliana Perez, a licensed clinical social worker and chemical dependency counselor. She addresses the importance of a caregiver's support in maintaining close relationships with the incarcerated parent, and she explains age-appropriate ways to approach the difficult conversations that come with incarceration. The following section is for incarcerated parents by Jim Guevara, an incarcerated parent, about responsibility and practical ways to foster relationships with children despite the distance. 

 

Art Exhibits:

Exhibits by Jim Guevara give insight into the daily lives of incarcerated people, the struggles they overcome, and the successes they celebrate. The purpose of these exhibits is to help destigmatize incarcerated people and open up a conversation about why a mentality shift is needed in this country. Mass incarceration has proven to be unsuccessful in reducing crime rates, and heavy sentencing does nothing but destroy families, create financial hardship, and place unnecessary shame and stigma on children who don't deserve it.