BEYOND BARS

Ella Carr, Emily Voges, Eleanor Quick, Grace Hicks-Green

Why a Party?

Our prison system is intended to keep communities safe by incarcerating criminals.

Although they are criminals they are expected to receive the same treatment regardless of
race, gender, ethnicity, or wealth. Unfortunately, our system has deprived inmates of their
liberties, including the ability to see their families. Our group is working to improve visitation
at the Travis County Correctional Facility by creating holiday parties for inmates and their
families. Once released, the transition from a correctional facility back to regular life is very
difficult on families. We would like to help strengthen the relationships between parental
inmates and their children by hosting this party.

Who we are working with:

Dawn Goetzel:
Ms. Goetzel works at the Travis County Correctional facility as a program
coordinator with any baby can. There she teaches parenting classes to the
inmates, by taking her class inmates can receive an additional visit each
month if they meet the qualifications. In order to be in the any baby can
program at the Travis County Correctional Facility inmates must meet
qualifications and be placed on an extensive waiting list.

Impact of the party

By creating a party we are working to

help to unite families. With a loved
one incarcerated it can disrupt the
family cohesion. Hopefully this party
will give parents and children the
opportunity to spend some quality time
together and create cheerful
memories while engaging in various
winter themed festivities!

Dawns Perspective
Why is this Important?
Ms. Goetzel explained to us how
difficult it is for an incarcerated parent
to spend some quality time with their
child. Visits are short, and families
arent able to do anything but talk.
Communication is also limited since
calls are very expensive. Since
children are not able to see their
mother/father very often, visits may
feel uncomfortable and awkward. But
during our holiday celebration,
inmates will be able to engage in fun
activities with their children and create
meaningful memories.

The Event
Where: Travis County Jail
When: Either before or during
christmas break.

We are going to have a

christmas party for the
families of incarcerated
inmates. This will include
assisting the parents and
helping them get presents for
their kid(s),as well as having
food and activities like face
paint and games at the party.

Details of Event
Step 1
Purchase Gifts
We will receive a list
from the inmates of gifts
they want for their kid.
Some will give us money
to purchase the gift,
others we will purchase
through the prisons
funds.

Step 2
Activities
We will have activities
like face paint and board
games. Most of the
supplies the jail already
has, however we will buy
any extra supplies
needed through a drive.
(We will know more
activities once we visit
the jail)

Step 3
Food
There will be food like
cookies and lemonade.
Dawn will provide the
food, but once again we
will bring anything else
needed.

Pros and Cons of Event

Pros: Inmates get to have one on one time with their kids through unique and fun
activities. Also working with someone who already works at the jail so we can go
there before party and see what we are working with, what supplies we should get,
etc. She already has experience that we wouldn't be able to offer without her.
Cons: Very limited options for the games and supplies we can have at the party.
Don't have a way of getting the community involved in this party as there is
enough volunteers already, and we can only have a small amount because of
room size. Hopefully we will be able to in the future.

Our visit to the Travis County Correctional

Facility
Before we have our holiday party we are visiting
the Travis County Correctional Facility in order

GPS RFID

to visualize the space we have for the party and

organize the materials the jail is providing. By
touring the facility it will help us learn more
about our project and develop new personal
perspectives.

The Travis County Correctional

Facility

Looking to the Future

We dont want to this to be a one time event. This isnt an issue that will be
completely solved because there will be always be new parents
incarcerated. We want our project to inspire others to help strengthen the
bonds between incarcerated parents and their children, and participate in
future events. Hopefully this holiday celebration will become an annually
event. We all feel very passionate about our project, and hope to stay
involved even after the party has ended.

How you can Help:

We want this party to not be a one time event. This issue is ongoing and one party
will not be enough. We want events like this to be on going to help connect the
families and rebuild relationships.
Visit our website: http://beyondbars.weebly.com