Greetings!
Come Christmas, not to mention yet another Covid related lockdown mandate for the general public with the exception of essential workers and businesses, it’s a time of year to reflect on things that are most important to us. And, one of them being – FAMILY!
Yes, connecting /reconnecting with family is important, valued and cherished. It provides precious memories, the sharing of laughter, love and cuddles, as well as emotional support to carry us into an unknown New Year. And, with that said, most especially for children whose mother or father happens to be incarcerated behind bars!
For this reason, PATH has decided to collaborate with a very special Marin County Non–Profit called WALLS TO BRIDGES BOOK PROJECT. WTB was founded by Alyssa Tamboura whose own father was incarcerated for 10 years during her early childhood and development. Alyssa had no contact with her father and she struggled with feelings of abandonment and being unloved. Now an adult young woman, Alyssa is in a position to give back and created WTB “… as an opportunity to help children still feel loved and connected to their incarcerated loved ones, as well as an opportunity to help incarcerated persons feel empowered in providing something for their children”.
There are thousands of system impacted children in the State of California alone – a largely marginalized and invisible population. WTB mails children a book “from” their incarcerated family member(s). Apart from WTB main purpose of establishing, building and strengthening familial ties and bonds, through this book gift project, it has an added benefit of being educational. What child doesn’t love and appreciate receiving a special book just for them?
Upon learning about WTB, PATH’s artists have happily jumped on board to create and donate original artwork to be made available for purchase; the proceeds of which will go to benefit Alyssa’s heartfelt project.
In closing, thank you for your continued interest in PATH. And, may your Christmas and coming New Year 2021 be blessed and bright.
Leslie Lakes, Dir.
Artwork by John Van Tielen
“Let’s Read”; 2020