WAM Hosts 21st Christmas Party for Former Prisoners
and Their Children
n December 18, 2004, around a 150 children entered the Marble Collegiate Church on West 29th Street, carrying a burden of shame because they are the children of women who were or still are incarcerated in one of New York’s jails. Many of the children were even born in jail. Some of them recognized each other from long periods in prison waiting rooms, hoping for a brief visit with their mother. They left the Church with a personalized present from Santa Claus and, hopefully, a renewed sense that they have the same needs as everyone else and need not be ashamed.
That’s the wish of Rev. Annie Bovian, director of the Women’s Advocate Ministry (WAM), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women of all colors and creeds who find themselves swept up in the judicial system. Some 85% of all women in jail in the state of New York are mothers, and the impact of incarceration on their children is enough to add greatly to the punishment. Children often lose their only caregiver and become an unwanted burden on other relatives, or the state. Children born in jail are often separated from their mother at birth, or after six months. WAM seeks to help heal the fractured relationships between mothers and children when the mother is released from jail, as well as giving her a hand in creating a decent post-jail life.
Part of that mission involves making sure mothers and children have fun together. WAM, which was given a prestigious New York City Council Proclamation award in October 2004, has been hosting a Christmas party for its clients and their children since 1983. This one included a clown and Santa Claus handing out gifts, each carrying the name of a child attending the party. “We want to be sure that literally no child is left behind,” said Rev. Bovian, explaining why she started hosting the parties in the first place. “Every child should get a gift at Christmas.”
Rev. Bovian said playing party games and enjoying snacks with the other kids, caregivers and mothers promotes a sense of normality often sadly lacking in the lives of children of imprisoned mothers. “Children of incarcerated parents are very much ashamed,” said Rev. Annie. “They can truly feel free at this event, and see that there’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Rev. Bovian desperately needs donations of toys and money to help this and other events and services organized by WAM throughout the year.