HandsOn Texarkana Receives Grant

HandsOn Texarkana received a generous grant from the Texas Bar Foundation for the Skilled Parenting Program on May 8, 2020.

Since its inception in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation has awarded more than $21 million in grants to law-related programs. Supported by members of the State Bar of Texas, the Texas Bar Foundation is the nation’s largest charitably-funded bar foundation.

This grant to HandsOn Texarkana will allow expansion to the Skilled Parenting Program at the Federal Correction Institute, Texarkana, Texas.  Also, the grant will help fund the start up to implement the program to Haven Homes of Texas.

The partnership with the Bureau of Prisons to offer services and classes for their residents has been very successful for the HandsOn Texarkana program for approximately 3 years.

Facilitators go to the prison and conduct group classes that teach the men how to be better parents as well as provide legal services for the underserved.

The weekly sessions are led by qualified, trained facilitators who also serve on the HandsOn Texarkana Board of Directors.  Johnie Smith, MS,CCJP and Certified MRT Trainer, Sydney Schoen, LPCI and David Carter, Attorney at Law. 

Prisoners who are parents and grandparents qualify to attend the sessions and are approved by FCI staff.

Expansion of this program involves a partnership with Haven Homes of Texas which serves both men and women who are struggling with life issues.  Through safe housing, work training, service programs and counseling, Haven Homes assists in transitioning back into society. 

HandsOn Texarkana was approached by their Executive Director, Jenny Eldridge, to partner with them in order for their residents to have the advantage of Skilled Parenting Program.

Children are the prime beneficiaries of this program held both at FCI Texarkana and Haven Homes; because better communication between parent and child enhances a child’s development into adulthood.