Next Chapter’s mission of bringing restoration to those impacted by the cycle of incarceration is not just for the parents or individuals who were incarcerated themselves. At NCM, we choose to take a multi-generational approach by serving the children of our participants because the experience also impacted them, and we know the greatest and longest lasting transformation happens not one person at a time, but one family at a time.
This year, we were able to come alongside the mothers who attend our Women’s Bible Study on Monday nights to create Little Legacies, where every single child that comes on Monday Nights has had a parent or family member impacted by the cycle of incarceration. These children get to share their unique experiences that connect them and help them build community!
Although they have faced some immense challenges, they have overcome. Their story is not one of deficit, but of resilience! We value their story and their individuality. We see these as gifts and assets that matter to their families, Next Chapter, their schools, and their community. They have immense potential to have influence in those places and we want to give them the tools and relationships to build on that!
At Little Legacies, we, children included, created a space where each person can come and be themselves freely, knowing that nothing would change how we feel about them or how God feels about them. We wanted to come alongside the parents that are already doing the hard work and be a community of support.
Each week, these Little Legacies are spending time learning about the Gospel in a setting that is just for them. However, the greatest growth and fun comes when the children interact with each other to build relationships. Just a couple weeks ago, one of our kiddos was having a tough day, and we watched as another child helped him, reminded him to choose respect, and encouraged him as he made good choices. It was incredible to see two children partner together like that.
We also get to partner with their parents in a community of support as we both learn from each other about the language each child uniquely speaks! Then, we also get to share the beautiful moments too through our monthly newsletter where we share verses we are learning, activities to engage at home, and pictures of the kiddos.
We value asking parents for advice as the experts of their children, as well as sharing growth in the young ladies and gentlemen they are raising! We know when parents feel engaged, the whole family wins! That is why at NCM, we choose to engage every generation. Long-lasting relationships do not have to start during incarceration. They can break the cycle before the cycle begins.
Why not join us in expanding the community of support and building relationships with these future legacies? We still need volunteers to join us one Monday a month while we eat dinner, do our craft projects, listen to our lesson, and interact with each other through play! Just like we encourage the individuality of our kids, we need it in our volunteers as well. Email Janie at office@nextchapterrochester.org if you’d like to join the fun!