ReMerge Brings Justice Home for Mother’s Facing Incarceration
For nearly three decades, Oklahoma has led the world in female incarceration rates per capita, a distinction that carries profound implications for individuals, families, and communities. The incarceration of a parent, especially a mother, often results in severe and long-lasting consequences, including the traumatic separation of children from their parents. The nonprofit ReMerge was founded in 2011 to address the root cause of this issue.
The Oklahoma Bar Foundation gives ReMerge an annual grant to support its rehabilitation and comprehensive support of high-risk and high-need mothers. Without substantial intervention, these women are unlikely to break free from the cycles of incarceration, addiction, and poverty that have defined their lives. By prioritizing rehabilitation and family reunification over incarceration, ReMerge is helping to break the cycle of trauma and poverty while creating brighter futures for women and their children in Oklahoma.
Jakeria’s Journey
Jakeria, a ReMerge client, was facing a seven-year prison sentence for drug trafficking, and her three children were placed in separate foster homes. This was a critical juncture for Jakeria and her family. The pain of being separated from her children, particularly her twins who had never been apart, motivated her to seek help. At ReMerge, Jakeria found a supportive environment that provided her with the tools and resources to change her life. Through programs focused on parenting, substance abuse recovery, and personal development, she was able to address the issues that led to her current situation.
In January 2024, Jakeria’s hard work paid off. Her DHS case was closed, and she was reunited with her children, who are now thriving together. Her journey underscores the importance of second chances and demonstrates the impact that comprehensive support programs can have on individuals and their families.
Jakeria offers these words of encouragement for mothers facing similar struggles, “Stay strong and don’t get discouraged. Fight through the negative thoughts. Without the tools and skills I learned at ReMerge, I wouldn’t have my kids back. There is light at the end of the tunnel – you may not see it but don’t give up. Kids need their moms.”
Jakeria’s story, while unique, is representative of many parents who find themselves caught in the cycle of incarceration and family separation. By providing holistic support and a pathway to rehabilitation, programs like ReMerge offer not only hope but tangible outcomes that benefit individuals, families, and communities. The success of these programs highlights the need for continued investment in initiatives that support family reunification and rehabilitation, ensuring that more families can experience the joy of reunification and the promise of a brighter future.
You can support programs like ReMerge and bring justice home for families.