Founded in 1986, Hour Children provides comprehensive, compassionate services in prisons and communities to support currently and formerly incarcerated women and their children as they reunite, stabilize and transform their lives. All programs are open to women and their children for as long as they are needed. This grant provides support for Hour Children’s in-prison programs, which include transportation and visitation services, parenting education, mental health support, activities for adolescents, advocacy and a residential nursery. Services are provided at the Bedford Hills and Taconic correctional facilities in Westchester County, as well as an outreach program at the Rose M. Singer Center for women on Rikers Island.

To support the Teen Program Coordinator and provide transportation for prison visits and enrichment activities for the adolescent children of inmates at this women’s prison. The program is designed to preserve and strengthen the family ties between incarcerated mothers and their children. Staff and volunteers address the youths’ educational needs to help them stay in school and provide recreation and counseling services. They conduct parenting classes for the mothers and help them stay connected with their children and their teachers and guardians.  This grant enables the program to serve families in upstate communities, such as Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, as well as those from New York City.