"One summer, I picked up three sisters who had been waiting for ages to get to Bedford to see their mother. As I pulled down their street, I saw them waiting in front of their house, bags all lined up. I heard the youngest, age 7, shout, "He's here! Let's go! Mommy's waiting!" - Tim, Hour Children volunteer

$5,000 can help ensure that children like these three have the opportunity to visit their mom regularly while incarcerated. Whether for a monthly long weekend visit or a week-long summer day camp experience, these visits are essential to building a strong relationship with mother and child that can extend to when they reunite when Hour women come home.

"I am committed to providing a fun learning environment for our campers this summer. My goal for Hour summer camp program is to offer the children we serve meaningful experiences." - Stephanie, Hour Children School Fun/Summer Fun Coordinator

$2,000 would help justice-impacted children in Long Island City attend ten weeks of Hour summer day camp, packed with field trips, swimming, and outdoor play. With a capacity of 40 children, ages 5 to 13, the Summer Program builds community with Hour children, while offering new and fun experiences.

"I'll see you tomorrow!" are treasured words spoken between mother and child participating in Hour summer programs at Bedford Hills and Taconic Correctional Facilities. Many mothers and children have not had these exchanges in over two years due to COVID and we have an opportunity this year to change that.

Your $1,500 donation can cover the cost of much-needed supplies, food, and games - used during Hour Summer Program at the prisons as well as activities at summer camp in Long Island City.

"[The program was] an enormous help to me. It's like a home. This program welcomed us with open arms." - Nadya Steele, HWWP graduate

$1,000 can provide support services for women seeking employment. The Hour Working Women Program (HWWP) provides a space for women returning from prison as well as justice-impacted community members to strengthen their professional and personal skills through workshops, one-on-one assistance, and community partnerships.

"This program has done so much good towards me and my family." These words were shared by an Hour Community Food Pantry visitor. Since the rise of COVID-19, our pantry has had a 200% increase in visitors.

$750 can buy food for many of the 600+ weekly visitors dealing with food insecurity, and are in need of additional resources such as seasonal clothing, baby-care, COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, health workshops, and other essential services.

"Most mornings, when my alarm goes off, I want to stay in bed. When I'm going to visit my mother, I get up." These words of Nadji show how important our visiting program is to families...

$500 can help us provide transportation, accompaniment for the drive, food, and anything else children like Nadji need to spend time with their mother.

"One thing that I like is...that you can make more friends," says Lexi, a current participant. She has found good friends that encourage her to speak her mind. "They always make sure I'm okay...they take their time with me."
$250 can support a teen in Hour Teen Scene by providing creative and educational programming and supplies while allowing teens a space to make long lasting friendships.

"It's very important because so many of us lived without family for such a long time. When we come together and experience family again - it's just amazing for them. I want to show the ladies that there's nothing we can't do and just to never give up and we can get there." -- Tamanika, House Manager at My Mother's House.

$100 can go towards furnishing a room or purchasing hygiene products, clothing, and food for a newly released mother. The re-entry process is a difficult one. Our supportive living spaces provide a sense of community for families, help people practice regaining their independence and gives so much support for that journey.