I founded the UnLocked Project because after experiencing parental incarceration as a young child, I wanted to use my adversity to support the children of incarcerated parents and create a community of like-minded advocates. Seeing this organization grow and create impact has been one of the most heart-warming experiences of my year.

I joined The UnLocked Project to help support children of incarcerated parents by providing a safe space for them to share their experiences. It’s vital to foster resilience and connection in their lives, helping them feel understood and less isolated during a challenging time.

I joined the UnLocked Project because as a Criminal Justice/Criminology major one of the most overlooked people are the families of the incarcerated. I think this organization helps bring awareness to that fact and provide those with a safe space. 

Though I am not a child of incarcerated/formerly incarcerated parents, I wanted to be a part of raising awareness about this matter with different members with this experience. Also, I was motivated by the speech Anna gave during the class presentation.

I joined the UnLocked Project because of my interest in understanding and learning how versatile children of incarcerated parents conform to fit in the society.

I enjoyed what the project stands for and what they do for people who are going through things that not many people actually talk about.

I joined the UnLocked Project because this organization gives children of incarcerated parents, like myself, a place to feel safe and heard. Being this organization also gives me a chance to be surrounded with people who have been through experiences like me.

I loved the idea of a support group for children of incarcerated parents, which is something a lot of people feel alone in. It’s so important for people to have a place where they feel understood and not judged for what they have gone through while gaining additional resources that may help with the effects of parental incarceration.

I joined The UnLocked Project because of my experience with an incarcerated parent. Growing up, I had little to no resources or community, and I strive to create an environment that supports people like myself through the healing process.

I joined the UnLocked Project because I have grown up in a community with higher than average rates of incarceration and witnessed firsthand how my peers were affected by growing up with a parent in jail. I wanted to apply my educational background in human development to help improve the outcomes for people who have felt like their situations have negatively influenced them.

While I haven’t been personally impacted by the incarceration system, I have explored its flaws and systemic biases for years. From learning about its profit-driven motive (private prisons), to its targeting of communities of color, to the mental health crises and trauma that many inmates experience, I continued to become fascinated yet disturbed by the criminal justice system. I’ve been invested in learning more about it and driving change, hence my draw towards The UnLocked Project!

I joined The UnLocked Project because I want to be the change I wish to see in the world. Too often, young people are partaking in criminal activities that change the trajectory of their lives. A lot of these individuals have parents that have been or are incarcerated. So, joining a program like this allows me to aid in breaking generational cycles to improve the life quality of people in our generation.