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This is the time of year we pause to honor mothers. But 2 million of this nation’s children don’t have much to celebrate on Mother’s Day. Their moms are behind bars. At the women’s prison in New Mexico, where about 80 percent of the inmates are repeat offenders, a new program is working to give these fractured families more quality time. | ||
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Quality Time – Story:
The Tenorio children are making almond tea cookies for their mom.
They want things to be special for her, because it’s the first time they will have seen her in five months. Paula Tenorio is serving an 18-month prison sentence for aggravated battery.
The four children share precious hours with their mother – hugging, kissing, trying to make up for lost time.
Paula Tenorio / inmate: “There are certain days I feel really lonely without them.”
This is one of the only occasions they’re able to visit their mom face to face.
Paula Tenorio: “I’m kind of excited to spend some time with them. It feels good.”
The party is taking place in the prison, a special event made possible through the “Wings Ministry,” a New Mexico-based outreach program. Wings works with both male and female inmates, providing a Christian support network for spouses, children and other relatives.
Wings was created by United Methodist Ann Edenfield. She saw the need for a more family-oriented visitation environment after her own husband was jailed on drug charges, leaving her to raise four children alone.
Ann Edenfield / founder, Wings Ministry: “If we can share Christ’s love with others and open their hearts, we’re going to cut down on recidivism. We’re going to keep families united.”
Bill Snodgrass / warden, N.M. Women’s Correctional Facility: “The more rehabilitation we have on the inside and the more networking that we have on the outside is going to help them.”
Paula Tenorio is slated to be released in July.
Paula Tenorio: “You guys can make me cookies when I get out.”
Quality Time – Tag:
Wings has already helped 150 families. Ministry founder Ann Edenfield is currently in negotiations with federal prisons nationwide to incorporate Wings into more rehabilitation programs.