jbarkley6

Some classes stay with you long after the chairs are stacked, the pencils are gathered, and the door closes behind the last person. For me, the classes I facilitate with incarcerated parents are those kinds of classes. I look forward to each one. That may surprise some people, because the setting can be heavy. There are rules, barriers, locked doors, and stories of pain that cannot be softened with easy words. Yet inside that space, I often witness something deeply human: parents trying to...

Building and restoring strong parent-child relationships is a critical step toward healing families affected by incarceration. Thanks to generous funding from Kosair Charities, Operation Open Arms is now able to expand its parent-child relationship restoration classes in county jails. This expansion offers a valuable opportunity to reduce trauma for both children and their incarcerated parents by fostering meaningful connections during difficult times. If you have contacts in your local...

In May, a remarkable gathering took place outside the Drug Court and courthouse in Lexington. This event brought together a diverse group of agencies, community members, and resources all focused on one goal: supporting families in Lexington. The energy and commitment displayed that day showed how collaboration can create meaningful change. Here, we share the highlights, express gratitude to everyone involved, and explore how such partnerships strengthen our community. Community event outside...