YWCA of Greater Portland

The Family Preservation Project (FPP), a necessary, essential, and one-of-a-kind program serving children of incarcerated mothers, was left unfunded by the Oregon State Legislature. FPP relies on funding from the state to cover a significant portion of the program's costs. Due to the failure to fund FPP, the YWCA needs to raise $200,000 over the next 5 months to keep FPP running while it advocates for permanent funding during the next legislative session in February 2020.  We can't just sit back and accept that FPP is going to end, and that children are not going to have the opportunity to rebuild relationships with their moms behind bars. Not when there's something tangible that will save this program: raising $200,000.

What does FPP mean to the kids it serves? My name is Joe, I wanted to share what FPP has meant to me and my 12 year old sister, Jessica. We are both children/alumni of FPP along with our mom, Bobbie.  When my mom first got incarcerated, I had to sleep with my little sister, feed her, and walk her to school. These struggles fueled an anger so heavy that I was ready to never talk to my mom again. Luckily my little sister was able to convince me to go to a FPP visit one time. I would do anything in the world for my sister, and when I saw that this program allowed my sister to have a more real relationship with my mom, I was thrilled. This program is the only reason my mom came home, my mom, not a stranger.

I never realized how much that impacted me until I was older. Looking back, in middle school (mom was incarcerated during my 6th grade year) I had over 100 detentions, and over 20 suspensions. On top of that I had a lot of C's and D's in my classes. If my mom came home and was a stranger, this behavior probably would have never stopped.  My mom came home my freshman year, and went right back to being a mom, because FPP allowed us to build that bond. Through my high school years my mom helped me accomplish a 3.7 GPA and earn over 20 full-ride scholarships to Division I schools. These were accomplishments that people thought would never happen. Angry, without a mom, middle school me, could have never accomplished these things.


Reaching our goal means FPP can continue, it means that the over 400 moms and kids currently being supported by FPP inside Coffee Creek Correctional Facility will not be abandoned in their efforts to rebuild their relationships, it means these kids won't have to experience the trauma of losing their mom a second time.  

If you are a parent, you know you would “go to the ends of their earth for your kids.” FPP is real; those who know us know the power of our movement. We are asking you… will you join our movement by championing our campaign #istandwithfpp to #SAVEFPP?

We know how quickly these campaigns can grow if supported and if shared with the masses.  YES, we need your help to contribute what you are able, and to help share our message #istandwithfpp #SAVEFPP #rkidsmatter #stopcollateralconsequences so FPP can go #viral, and we can reach this goal!!!! Our deepest thanks and words simply fail to express how incredibly grateful we are for you taking the time to read our story. When we save this program it will be thanks to you!!! Please don't wait... share, give.... it has to be now.

What is FPP? Parental incarceration is one of the 10 Adverse Childhood Experiences identified by the CDC’s ACE Study, which uncovered a stunning link between childhood trauma and the chronic diseases people develop as adults, as well as social and emotional problems. Parallel research on kids’ brains found that toxic stress damages the structure and function of a child’s developing brain. When children are overloaded with stress hormones, they can’t learn in school; have difficulty trusting adults and/or developing healthy relationships with peers. FPP is designed to help children safely cope in spite of their parent’s incarceration. The program’s mission is to interrupt the inter- generational cycles that lead to poor and costly outcomes for children and high recidivism rates for women.

FPP believes we can and must move the dial for the women and children who are directly impacted by our criminal legal system - and that by doing so - we are creating safer communities. Incarceration without meaningful intervention that addresses its root causes is costly and ineffective.

Ways to donate: If you would prefer to donate directly to the YWCA toward this important effort, checks (payable to the YWCA) can be mailed to:

YWCA of Greater Portland
PO Box 458
Portland OR 97208

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact us at: [phone redacted].

ON THE LINK ABOVE IS A FILM BY BRIAN LINDSTROM ABOUT THIS PROGRAM!

Portland Actors Equity members, the union for professional actors and stage managers, are asking our community to join us in supporting Portland's YWCA's FAMILY PRESERVATION PROGRAM.
A program that works to reduce the consequences of parental incarceration on children, families, and our community.

Four of the Project's eight programs operate inside Coffee Creek Correctional Facility for women in Wilsonville.

This essential one-of-a-kind program serving children of incarcerated mothers, recently was left unfunded by the Oregon State Legislature.

Actors Equity is striving to make a difference for our community. Please join us!