…While walking down the street in broad daylight, two men assaulted him with a hammer and stabbed him in the back. He looked like a mess but said he was alright and asked us if he could get another shirt to replace the one that was covered in blood. Somewhat shaken, our homeless client also asked for advice because he was confused as to who would provide medical help without insurance.

We provided for these simple needs, securing transportation to medical care as we prayed and hoped that there would be no complications. A week later we saw him again and he thanked us for “saving [his] life.” When he reached the emergency room he was rushed into emergency surgery where they removed a six and a half inch knife blade from his back. The doctors said it was a miracle that he had survived. In the midst of this crisis he had the chance to see his daughter for the first time in six years. As a result, he said that he could no longer deny God a place in his life. Over the past two months he has begun group counseling with his family, found permanent housing and secured a job.

Children and families we see every day are shocked by the sudden experience of having a parent incarcerated. Whether the household provider is an IT professional or a nurse, a single act can have devastating effects on a family. The pain and confusion that they experience, if not addressed, is often fatal to the future of the family. If this pain is treated and the confusion replaced with knowledge, there is a path to restoration. Thank you for giving them a place to come and seek it.

You’re Invited to the Gracious Promise Gala 2011

More information on the Gala and Sponsorships is available at: graciouspromisegala2011.com

Thank You for Your Support

We are so thankful for each and every one of you who are interested and involved with Gracious Promise. From our in-prison ministries to our Dream LOUD children’s program, we couldn’t do it without your volunteerism, financial support and prayer. Because of the expenses of summer time with increased client services, we are asking that you consider giving to our organization. If you feel that our work is valuable, please consider a one-time gift or a monthly pledge. We want to move forward, and, with your help, we will. If you would like to give, please feel free to mail your donation/pledge to us at 1021 Pacific Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66102 or you can use the Paypal button. Options for either one-time donations or monthly subscriptions/pledges are available.

To see the print version of our brochure, click here: July2011News

“When parents are incarcerated, the impact on their children can be devastating,” said advisory board co-chair and Michigan State Senator Alan Cropsey. “There is so much we can do—from arrest to reentry—that can reduce the trauma for children and help ensure that their needs, and those of their caregivers, are being met. At last, that information is captured in this plan.”

We believe strongly that policy changes are needed to reduce the negative impact that crime has on these children. We have participated with the CSG and have been featured in their publications in the past.

The press release is available for download here (PDF document) and the full document here (also a PDF document).

“That’s when she heard about a private program that would take care of a prisoner’s newborn until the mom was released. The baby would be brought back to the prison every day in those first few weeks so mom and baby could bond. And when mom got out, the program would give the baby back and help mom get started on a better life.

It was already July, and Romero was due to deliver in September. There would be significant hurdles until then, Romero told herself, but certainly none of them insurmountable.

She had to believe.”

Read More – From jail to a job: One mother’s quest to keep her baby