What We Do

Parenting With Purpose provides imprisoned fathers and mothers with parenting classes that focus on parenting education and encouragement.  Classes are designed to meet the unique needs of inmates who desire to learn how to become better parents, restore and strengthen their family relationships, and build a strong foundation in their homes.

Inmate fathers and mothers who complete these classes and desire additional individualized parenting support are then linked to a “Brothers’ Keeper” or “Sisters’ Keeper.”  A personalized volunteer support system, Brothers’ Keeper or Sisters’ Keeper ensures that the parent will be connected with a positive influence, someone who will be a source of emotional support, spiritual guidance, hope, and encouragement.  Brothers’ Keepers or Sisters’ Keeper serve as parenting coaches in assisting inmates as they parent their children from inside the prison with a strong emphasis on parenting after release. They  help to maintain and strengthen inmate parents’ personal commitment to be positive influences in the lives of their children.

Through its relationships with incarcerated moms and dads, PWP establishes solid connections with entire families, offering continued support and guidance. Home visits take place on a regular basis and consist of conflict resolution, goal setting, accountability and Biblical counsel.

Once a parent is released PWP provides referrals for employment, schooling, housing, furniture, food and clothing to create the opportunity for parents to live productive lives once they are released back into their homes and our communities.

PWP is committed to building quality, life-long mentoring relationships that change the lives of children forever.  The Mentoring for Life Change (MLC) program provides one-on-one mentoring for youth, ages 5-25, which are affected by a parent’s incarceration.  MLC participants are involved in the program during their parent’s incarceration, as well as after their parent’s release.   The mentor serves as an example and a role model of how healthy adult life-styles, positive family relationships and spiritual vitality make a difference in the life of a young person. 

Every mentor match is same gender and formed naturally through prior interaction with interested youth in an activity or group setting.  PWP trains mentors to meet and relate to the unique needs of prisoners’ children and provides ongoing encouragement and staff support to every mentor. 

Everyone in our mentoring program is encouraged to attend this monthly support group, which focuses on biblical principles for personal growth. In this group, youth receive a healthy lunch a message of hope and encouragement, and an opportunity to talk among peers about the issues they experience.