Bridge Beyond Bars

I was interviewed by the local CBS Channel reporter, Kai Jackson on the Girl Scouts (GS) as a member of the GS Board of Directors in the Baltimore area and the Chair of the Distinguished Women's (DW) Awards Reception planned for April 19, 2007. I was really impressed with the GS since they have done some amazing work to help women and youth work together in novel/ creative ways. One of the GS award winning program was to bring young girls/ teenagers with their mothers who are incarcerated in prison. The young girls realize by spending time with their mothers, through the program organized by the GS, that they should not waste their lives and get involved with crime. They feel happy to spend time with their mothers and become more productive citizens by avoiding drugs and crime since they want to live up to their mother's expectations and not just follow the same path as their mothers. The program is called "Beyond Bars" and there is a follow up program called "Bridge Beyond Bars" that are inspiring. Once a year we have the Annual DW Awards honoring and recognizing women leaders and have young women in high schools "shadow" their mentors and share their experiences on the day of the program. It is inspiring to many and a true motivational evening that helps the girl scouts, their parents and everyone attending that evening's reception.