Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)

Shari Ostrow ScherFounder and President of Children of

Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)

Getting startedWhy begin?Who to invite?Where to begin?What about funding?Which partners/collaborators are a must!

Building a mission“Our mission is to assist children and their caregivers who are impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership works to raise community awareness of the needs of this population.”

What do we do? (limited list)BlanketsResource bagsDetention Center open houseLending/Giving libraryBowling/Lunch partyOne on one assistanceCamp supportSpreading the word

Scholarships for womenSelection processGrant supportedCollaboration with Frederick Community

College

What do the recipients say?“…. I appreciate the needs of parents with children who have incarcerated parents being recognized through your foundation, as young women like myself are often forgotten about, and left to struggle without our children’s father doing their part. I hope to complete my education and show my daughter adversity does not create failure, and that she can look at me as an inspiration.”Mollie (2015)

What do the recipients say?“….I believe the COIPP scholarship has impacted my life tremendously and is changing my world by lightening my financial burden which allows me to focus on achieving my educational goals. Your immense generosity has inspired me, especially on the importance of giving back. I hope to one day help other students achieve their educational and career goals just as you have helped me.”Lina, Nursing student (2015)

Parenting ClassesWhere: Frederick County Adult Detention CenterWhat: Offered on a variety of topics: Parenting, Discipline,

Stress, Autonomy, Encouraging Cooperation, etc.When: WeeklySample of an hour’s work:

Restate of class objectivesCelebration of certificates Introduction of a topic

What did this mean as you grew up? What does this mean to your child?

Use of different modalities: Discussion, Games, Situation solving, Lecture, and more!

Pep talk each week

Small group support sessionsWhere: Head Start, Family Literacy, Housing

Projects, TAMAR Drug Rehab Center, and moreWhat: Building independence and parenting topicsWhen: Whenever needed, morning, noon and

eveningsSample of the work: Parenting Topics, Dressing for

an Interview, Getting a GED, Gaining Employment, Returning to School, etc.

Sample of the sessions: Giveaways Starting with the blankets, Books for children, Learning Games to be shared, Articles and Resources for Caregivers, and more

Benefits and challenges to such an organization

College assistanceHood College: Memo of UnderstandingFrederick Community College: Scholarship,

Publicity

Public school assistanceGuidance Counselors and liaisonsTalking with student groupsCollection of helpful resources

Community supportCurious IguanaDancing BearSilent Auction and community supportChurch/Synagogue SupportPrivate Donations

Agency supportUnited WayJuvenile Justice SystemState Charity Campaign

Use of Social MediaBenefitsChallengesAddresses:

Facebook: Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership

Website: www.COIPP.orgTwitter

Replicating a good idea: Make it better, make it work for you!Getting started; Making a Plan (Work in

Pairs)1. Who will you invite?2. When and where will you meet?3. What will be your Mission?4. What will be your first activity?

Questions