Watch Julie's video

Overview

I need money for gas and a hotel to be able to drive down to see my daughter who is incarcerated. This includes gas money, a hotel room for the night, and some food and snacks. Meeting this need will help me because it will just make this trip possible. It will make it possible for my daughter to keep seeing us. It would just mean so much to her, me, and everyone else involved. 

My goal is to make sure that when my daughter is released later this year that she is still connected to and has relationships with her family and loved ones. She went to prison for theft, and I want to make sure she has the support to make sure that never happens again.

My current situation is my daughter is incarcerated, and she has been through a lot in her life. I was a very young, teenage mother when she was born, and I gave her up for adoption. Later in life, we found each other again. And I have been back in her life for over 15 years now. She really needs us to visit so that she doesn't feel so isolated, and so that we can keep her connected with her children and family. This visit means so much to both her and to me.

This would help my daughter stay connected to her family so she knows she will have support when she is released and make positive choices.

We are on a very fixed income. I have had some major health problems, so I am not able to work. I rely on my husband, who is wonderful, but it can be really tough.

This means so much to us. We really the appreciate the help.

I think of myself mostly as a positive, upbeat, loving person and grandma.

I'm most proud of the changes that are occurring in both my life and in my daughter's life. I had gastric bypass surgery and lost 152 pounds. I needed to do this because of my health problems. My daughter has really changed in prison, too. Her attitude, outlook, and her beliefs and values have really changed.

Something interesting about me is I love to cook. My favorite thing to do is to bake cookies with my grandkids. I can't wait until we can bake cookies together with their mother, too.

I've worked at jobs including as a guidance secretary at the high school and worked in the administation building of the school district.

Watch Alexis's video

Validated

Validated by Alexis from CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers) (What does this mean?)

I have known Julie for about six months. We first met when she and I spoke about keeping her daughter and grandchildren connected. She has been so incredibly sweet and supportive.

I think meeting this need is important because Julie's daughter has a much better chance of successful reentry if she remains connected to her family. For Julie and for Julie's grandchildren, seeing her daughter, knowing she is ok, and keeping their bonds is very critical to their futures.

This will move the recipient's life forward by allowing her to focus on time rather than paying for gas for the 5 hour ride (each way!).

Julie is one of the sweetest women I have ever met. She has a good heart and cares deeply about those around her. Though she gave her daughter up for adoption at birth (Julie was a young teenage mother), they reconnected about 15 years ago. Julie loves those around her and cares for her daughter very much.

About Alexis

My job title is Pro Bono and Staff Attorney. I have been in this position since April of 2012. My work involves helping incarcerated mothers, formerly incarcerated mothers, and the caretakers of their children. What I like about my job is I get to see families brought together. In the future, I… Read more