Amy Ard Amy Ard

Isolated Voices:

Part one discusses the speaker's traumatic experiences in solitary confinement during incarceration, detailing harsh conditions and lasting anxiety. Part two highlights treatment issues for women and pregnant individuals, including solitary confinement's impact on families, lack of mental health support, and advocacy efforts.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Justice Behind Bars:

Vanessa Garrett's testimony during a legislature hearing highlights the continued neglect and mistreatment of pregnant and postpartum women within Georgia's prison system, despite the anti-shackling law passed in 2019. As the program manager at Motherhood Beyond Bars, she provides distressing examples of women forced to deliver babies in alarming conditions, including one woman giving birth in a hospital elevator. Vanessa emphasizes the persistence of issues such as shackling, strip searches, and inadequate hygiene supplies, recounting instances of women being denied medical attention until it's almost too late. She also shares stories of intimidation and silencing tactics used within the prison system, underscoring the need for urgent reforms and improved treatment of incarcerated women.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Separated at Birth:

Women in Georgia prisons have only 48 hours with their newborns before being separated. Most infants go to temporary caregivers, often grandparents, causing financial and emotional stress. Motherhood Beyond Bars (MBB) offers support, providing essentials, social services, and a caring community to break cycles of incarceration. Support MBB to give infants a healthy start and caregivers the help they need.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Wayfind Collective

The podcast delves into the struggles of incarcerated pregnant women and mothers, spotlighting "Motherhood Beyond Bars," an organization dedicated to their support and compassionate childbirth. It explores privilege, flaws in the American incarceration system, and the impact of maternal incarceration on families and communities. It chronicles the journey of the organization's founder, from a doula to launching the non-profit after witnessing the harsh treatment of an incarcerated pregnant woman. The podcast highlights the need for comprehensive support, addressing the perilous conditions in the Georgia prison system, and the essentiality of advocacy for organizations striving for safer, rehabilitative prison environments. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and proactive action to tackle the interconnected issues influenced by the incarceration system.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

At The Intersection

Discover Motherhood Beyond Bars, a pioneering organization in Georgia at the intersection of criminal justice and child welfare. The video debuted at The Summit: Georgia’s Child Welfare Conference, offering invaluable insights into the experiences of mothers giving birth in prison. They raise awareness about the impact of incarceration on families, aiming to empower incarcerated parents and promote family preservation efforts. Their testimonies and data inspire positive change for a brighter future.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

New Day. Bright Start.

Last November, we ensured that Sarah received credit for time served in jail, allowing her to walk out 38 weeks pregnant and avoid separation from her firstborn child by being released before giving birth.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Founders Series:

Amy Ard, Executive Director of Motherhood Beyond Bars, discusses her organization's mission to support incarcerated pregnant and postpartum women and their infants. She emphasizes tailored education, caregiver assistance, and overcoming challenges within the prison system. Amy also addresses fundraising, storytelling for awareness, adaptability during COVID-19, and the power of collaboration in creating positive change.

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Staying Connected

Motherhood Beyond Bars works to keep mothers in prison connected to their newborns through creative tools like sending pictures, updates, and baby books to caregiver families, recognizing the importance of fostering bonds during the crucial first year of life.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

That One Small Thing…

Motherhood Beyond Bars ensures every incarcerated mother receives a cherished photo of her newborn, providing Polaroid pictures to create lasting connections between mothers and their infants.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Support and Reunify

Motherhood Beyond Bars supports incarcerated mothers and their infants by providing care for the babies while in prison and offering reentry and reunification programs to empower the mothers upon their release.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

2020 Prison Challenges

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prisons in Georgia and nationwide suspended family visitation, leaving incarcerated parents and their children without physical contact and support, but Motherhood Beyond Bars remains dedicated to finding new ways to show love and provide assistance during these difficult times.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Starburst Cycles

Celebrate post-Halloween by supporting Motherhood Beyond Bars, where one mother's heartfelt candy-wrapper bracelet gift for her daughter sparks a vision to end cycles of familial incarceration and create brighter futures for children born to incarcerated women.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Breaking Chains of Injustice:

Today, Georgia celebrates a historic moment as House Bill 345 takes effect, ending the shackling of pregnant and postpartum women and abolishing intrusive practices in jails and state facilities. Thanks to the relentless advocacy of Motherhood Beyond Bars, led by Pamela Winn, the state has taken a compassionate step towards ensuring a safer and more dignified environment for all incarcerated women.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Embracing Love and Support:

In a poignant moment during today's postpartum support group, a member tearfully reunited with her friends after losing all her belongings in a recent dorm transfer. Later, as they practiced finger-knitting for holiday gifts, each participant wrote heartfelt notes, emphasizing the immense love they wish to impart to their children.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Inside the Circle of Care:

Step into the heartwarming world of a postpartum support group as they share their highs and lows with one member's touching gesture of prayers and intentional hope. Discover the depth of their circle of care as they open up to the broader community, sharing moments of joy and vulnerability with those who truly understand.

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Amy Ard Amy Ard

Falling to Pieces

In our postpartum group, amidst the highs and lows, we formed a supportive circle where a new member found solace in shared understanding, allowing her to embrace her emotions and discover the strength in vulnerability.

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