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The Amaryllis Scholarship for Higher Learning is a grass root initiative supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents in Pursuing Their Dreams
Imagine navigating life without a mother’s guidance.
Hello, my name is Cynthia Moore, the founder of Behind The Chair Foundation.
At just 14 years old, I lost my mother—not to death, but to a 50-to-life sentence in a maximum-security prison for a drug charge. She never had the chance to meet her grandchildren, and after just ten years into her sentence, she passed away due to illness.
For children of incarcerated parents, the road to success is filled with obstacles: lack of support, financial struggles, and the ongoing burden of loss.
That’s why we’ve created The Amaryllis Scholarship for Higher Learning—to help these young adults find a way forward after high school. Our mission is not only to support their educational goals but also to pave a path for the women in our community who are rebuilding their lives after incarceration.
Scholarship Details:
For the academic years 2025-2026, 2026, and 2027, our goal is to offer a total of $1,000 in scholarship funds for every group of five students pursuing careers in cosmetology. We’re focusing on the trade of cosmetology after Amaryllis, my mother who was a hairdresser behind bars. Hairdressing also provides immediate, practical skills and a clear path to financial independence, opening doors to new opportunities and self-sufficiency.
Our Story and Vision
Growing up without a mother’s guidance has been a profound hardship—a pain that still drives me today. My mother’s incarceration and passing left a void that no child should ever have to feel. Now, I want to transform that pain into purpose by helping children who face similar challenges.
While our broader vision is to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated women to get a second chance at life, our immediate focus is on blessing the children of those who made mistakes.
Your support can change a life. Honestly, Cosmetology saved mine, and every donation brings us closer to giving these students the opportunity they deserve.
Together, we can turn challenges into stepping stones for success and ensure that every child has a fighting chance for a brighter future.
Donate today and help us empower the next generation!
Thank you in advance.
Organizer
Cynthia Moore
Organizer
Poughkeepsie, NY