Spreading Holiday Cheer: Supporting Families Affected by Incarceration

This holiday season, a heartwarming partnership between the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Be a Coffee Bean Foundation is bringing joy to families affected by incarceration.

Gary Emmert
4–5 minutes
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Austin — This holiday season, a heartwarming partnership between the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Be a Coffee Bean Foundation is bringing joy to families affected by incarceration. The collaboration aims to create special experiences for these families, fostering stronger bonds and lasting memories during a challenging time.

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In preparation for the holidays, Damon West, best-selling author and founder of the Be a Coffee Bean Foundation, personally delivered 150 Elf on the Shelf kits to families of incarcerated individuals. These deliveries took place at family day events hosted at the Patrick L. O’Daniel Unit and Alfred D. Hughes Unit in Gatesville, Texas, as well as the Lucile Plane State Jail in Dayton, Texas.

“When I was in prison, I saw the children of the incarcerated men around me,” West shared. “I thought to myself, ‘if I ever get out one day, I want to do something to impact that population – the children of incarcerated parents.’”

During these events, incarcerated parents, their children, and custodial guardians had the opportunity to bond over the magic of the elves. They read the Elf on the Shelf book together, named their elf, and enjoyed a day dedicated to family time. This initiative was designed to help incarcerated parents connect with their children in a meaningful way, using the elf as a conversation starter and relationship builder.

“The goal was to help incarcerated parents connect with their children in a meaningful way during the holiday season, using the elf as a conversation starter and relationship builder,” said Amanda Hernandez, Director of Communications for TDCJ.

The events were a success, bringing families together and providing a positive experience for them to share. Dominique Betancourt, an inmate at the Hughes Unit, expressed his gratitude: “It’s a good feeling to spend time with my family and get to do something new. I’ve been in prison 8 and a half years, so I haven’t had a chance to do nothing like this with my son.”

This partnership between TDCJ and the Be a Coffee Bean Foundation highlights the importance of family connections and the positive impact such initiatives can have on those affected by incarceration.

There are several programs in Texas that support families of inmates, aiming to strengthen family bonds and provide necessary resources. Here are a few notable ones:

  1. Texas Incarcerated Families Association (TIFA): TIFA offers support, education, and advocacy for families of incarcerated individuals. They provide resources to help families navigate the prison system and advocate for better conditions and opportunities for inmates[1].
  2. Angel Tree Program: This program, run by Prison Fellowship, provides gifts to children of incarcerated parents during the holiday season. It aims to break the cycle of crime by offering support and maintaining connections between children and their incarcerated parents[2].
  3. GO KIDS (Giving Offenders’ Kids Incentive and Direction): This initiative by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) provides resources and services to support parent-child relationships. It includes mentoring, health services, legal counsel, employment support, parenting training, and more[3].
  4. Prison Families Alliance: This organization offers various support services for families of prisoners, including information on child welfare, rehabilitation programs, and advocacy[4].

These programs play a crucial role in helping families cope with the challenges of having a loved one incarcerated, providing emotional support, and fostering positive relationships.

Getting involved with programs that support families of inmates in Texas can be a rewarding way to make a positive impact. Here are some ways you can contribute:

  1. Texas Incarcerated Families Association (TIFA):
    • Volunteer: TIFA offers various volunteer opportunities, including helping with events, providing administrative support, and offering peer support to families.
    • Donate: Financial contributions help TIFA continue its advocacy and support services.
    • Join a Chapter: Attend local chapter meetings to connect with other families and participate in advocacy efforts [5].
  2. Angel Tree Program:
    • Sponsor a Child: You can sponsor a child of an incarcerated parent by providing gifts and a personal message during the holiday season.
    • Volunteer: Help organize and distribute gifts or assist with local events [6].
  3. GO KIDS (Giving Offenders’ Kids Incentive and Direction):
    • Mentor: Volunteer as a mentor to children of incarcerated parents, providing guidance and support.
    • Donate: Contributions help fund various services and programs aimed at supporting these children [5].
  4. Texas Prisons Community Advocates (TPCA):
    • Advocate: Join advocacy campaigns to improve prison conditions and support affected families.
    • Volunteer: Assist with educational events, social media campaigns, and other initiatives.
    • Donate: Financial support helps TPCA continue its mission to advocate for humane prison conditions [7].
  5. Texas Reach Out:
    • Volunteer: Participate in faith-based transitional housing programs and support services for inmates and their families.
    • Donate: Contributions help provide housing and resources for those transitioning out of prison [8].

To get started, visit the websites of these organizations for more information on how to volunteer, donate, or participate in their programs. Your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of families affected by incarceration.

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