OUR PROGRAM
WHEN PARENTS GO TO PRISON, THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES CAN BECOME A NIGHTMARE OF POVERTY, TRAUMA, AND SHAME.
More than 125,000 children of incarcerated parents live in the Houston metro area.
THIS IS HOUSTON'S PROBLEM
HOUSTON CAN FIX THIS.
The GEMS (Gaining Empowerment in Middle School) program breaks the cycle of intergenerational incarceration. We teach middle school-aged children the coping skills to overcome their experience. We help them find their inner strength and unlock their future potential.
break the cycle
WE CAN BREAK THE CYCLE OF INTERGENERATIONAL INCARCERATION THROUGH THE GEMS(GAINING EMPOWERMENT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL) PROGRAM.
GEMS GIVES STUDENTS THE EMOTIONAL TOOLS AND SUPPORT TO THRIVE IN MIDDLE SCHOOL, POSSIBLY THE MOST DIFFICULT PERIOD OF A CHILD'S LIFE.
“I learned (to ask) the right questions. It helped me to gain perspective which is important when trying to understand what someone is trying to say.”
-6th Grade Student,
Key Middle
School
“I’ve learned that communicating also requires listening to others when they voice their emotions.”
-7th Grade Student,
hoffman Middle School
“This program has helped me build a sense of patience with other people and myself. I used to have no understanding when trying to express myself, but now I’m better, calmer in doing so.”
-7th Grade Student,
Key Middle School