Inside-Out Alliance of Kansas, Inc.
Losing a child to incarceration is a loss unlike any other. There are no comforting phone calls from friends, no warm casseroles left at your door, no offers of thoughts and prayers to sustain you. Instead, you are met with a deafening silence. Your pain is rarely acknowledged, nor is it socially acceptable.
To my fellow mothers of the incarcerated--the ones that find a way to breathe through relentless grief--never lose that resiliency, that unwavering love and advocacy for your child, despite the world’s apathy. Hold on to that refusal to surrender hope. I see your refusal to rest until your child is returned safely to you. I see you serving that invisible sentence alongside your child. Always remember that there is strength in our shared experiences, and you do not stand alone.
Dear Mothers..
It is vital to recognize the voices of inmates, but equally important is the need for their families to share their stories. In Kansas alone, nearly ten thousand families feel the weight of having a loved one behind bars. The toll on these families is profound and often beyond measure. They not only mourn the absence of their loved ones but also bear the heavy burden of stigma that comes with incarceration—feelings of guilt, shame, and a heartbreaking sense of social isolation.
Furthermore, the economic ramifications for these families can be crushing. The loss of wages, the expenses tied to supporting their incarcerated loved ones, and the financial strain just to maintain a connection often leave them teetering on the edge of survival. Tragically, it is the low-income and minority families who feel this burden most acutely, intensifying the deep-rooted inequalities that already exist in our society.
Your story and experiences hold immense value; they resonate with others and may illuminate the path for other families that are struggling. It is essential that society recognize that families of inmates are human beings deserving of empathy and understanding. Your story can help bridge the gap and help foster a sense of connection with others who feel alone in their struggles.
Please submit your posts to dian@ioaofks.org, or Inside-Out Alliance of Kansas, PO Box 156, Hutchinson, KS 67504-0156. Thank you!
Share your story!