Shari Ostrow Scher Founder and President of Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)

Getting started Why begin? Who to invite? Where to begin? What about funding? Which partners/collaborators are a must!

Building a mission “Our mission is to assist children and their caregivers who are impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership works to raise community awareness of the needs of this population.”

What do we do? (limited list) Blankets Resource bags Detention Center open house Lending/Giving library Bowling/Lunch party One on one assistance Camp support Spreading the word

Scholarships for women Selection process Grant supported Collaboration with Frederick Community College

What do the recipients say? “…. I appreciate the needs of parents with children who have incarcerated parents being recognized through your foundation, as young women like myself are often forgotten about, and left to struggle without our children’s father doing their part. I hope to complete my education and show my daughter adversity does not create failure, and that she can look at me as an inspiration.” Mollie (2015)

What do the recipients say? “….I believe the COIPP scholarship has impacted my life tremendously and is changing my world by lightening my financial burden which allows me to focus on achieving my educational goals. Your immense generosity has inspired me, especially on the importance of giving back. I hope to one day help other students achieve their educational and career goals just as you have helped me.” Lina, Nursing student (2015)

Parenting Classes Where: Frederick County Adult Detention Center What: Offered on a variety of topics: Parenting, Discipline, Stress, Autonomy, Encouraging Cooperation, etc. When: Weekly Sample of an hour’s work: Restate of class objectives Celebration of certificates Introduction of a topic What did this mean as you grew up? What does this mean to your child? Use of different modalities: Discussion, Games, Situation solving, Lecture, and more! Pep talk each week

Small group support sessions Where: Head Start, Family Literacy, Housing Projects, TAMAR Drug Rehab Center, and more What: Building independence and parenting topics When: Whenever needed, morning, noon and evenings Sample of the work: Parenting Topics, Dressing for an Interview, Getting a GED, Gaining Employment, Returning to School, etc. Sample of the sessions: Giveaways Starting with the blankets, Books for children, Learning Games to be shared, Articles and Resources for Caregivers, and more

Benefits and challenges to such an organization

College assistance Hood College: Memo of Understanding Frederick Community College: Scholarship, Publicity

Public school assistance Guidance Counselors and liaisons Talking with student groups Collection of helpful resources

Community support Curious Iguana Dancing Bear Silent Auction and community support Church/Synagogue Support Private Donations

Agency support United Way Juvenile Justice System State Charity Campaign

Use of Social Media Benefits Challenges Addresses: Facebook: Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership Website: Twitter

Replicating a good idea: Make it better, make it work for you! Getting started; Making a Plan (Work in Pairs) 1. Who will you invite? 2. When and where will you meet? 3. What will be your Mission? 4. What will be your first activity?

Questions