05/22/2026
Yesterday we walked into the prison to sit with women carrying grief that feels impossibly heavy. Statistics say 41% of women incarcerated will lose someone while behind bars — but grief is so much more than death alone.
Grief is the loss of freedom.
The loss of dreams.
The loss of normalcy, trust, connection, identity, and time that can never be returned.
Yesterday we simply offered space. A small space for honesty, tears, pain, and hope. Deep wounds were spoken out loud. Women shared heartbreak, fear, regret, and longing. Healing does not happen overnight, and pain does not disappear because we acknowledge it — but something begins to shift when people are finally allowed to be seen.
We want to thank the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry staff and leadership who opened the door for these conversations and allowed space for support and healing. It does not erase the hurt, but it begins the process of mending. Wounds may leave scars, but they do not have to stay open forever.
We are grateful to continue showing up, listening, and reminding people that even in broken places, healing is still possible.
Ps. Smiles in our pictures are because we are blessed to serve - we left with heavy hearts and tears of our own. It was heavy!!!
