Remembering Justice-Impacted Mothers this Mother’s Day
Dear Friends,
As Mother’s Day approaches, we remember the thousands of mothers incarcerated in Texas prisons.
Eighty percent of women incarcerated in Texas prisons are mothers of children under the age of 18. The number of women incarcerated in Texas has increased by 951% since 1980, at more than twice the rate of male incarceration. Women in Texas prisons have unique needs and histories and report high rates of childhood sexual abuse, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse. We are proud to represent some of these women in our Pro Bono Parole Program, where we seek to give them a voice in their parole process and reunite them with their loved ones.
Reuniting parents with their children is good for our state: Half a million Texas children have experienced a parent behind bars, and their parents’ incarceration has profound impacts on their mental and physical health, education, and financial stability.
If you are still searching for a gift to honor your loved one this Mother’s Day, consider a donation to Lioness Justice Impacted Women’s Alliance instead of the usual flowers. Lioness is a Texas nonprofit organization led by currently and formerly incarcerated girls, women, and gender-expansive people.
Lioness advocates for justice-impacted women across the State of Texas, providing opportunities for leadership development, community building, and civic engagement. We are proud to partner with them on our parole initiative and grateful for all they do to support justice-impacted women and mothers. I can’t think of a more deserving group of women to honor this Mother’s Day, which is why I’ve donated to Lioness myself. Please join me!
With gratitude,
Burke Butler
Executive Director
Texas Defender Service
