Incarcerated mothers at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility (CMCF) in Rankin County can enjoy special time with their children through a new program beginning Saturday, Sept. 30.
“Mom’s Day” will be from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. and will include face-painting, reading activities, movies, and board games. A mini-concert by a female inmate choir is also planned. Refreshments will be served.
Up to 70 children and 45 inmates are expected to participate. One adult visitor per inmate will be allowed to bring the children.
Only inmates who have followed prison rules continuously for one year are eligible to participate.
A similar program held for fathers in prison at East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian on July 30 inspired doing likewise for mothers.
“After seeing how well the men’s program was received, we wanted to provide the same opportunity for our female inmates,” Commissioner Pelicia E. Hall said. “This is an incentive for inmates to abide by the rules and to visit with their families. This type of program also helps to strengthen family connections so that inmates will have a better chance at success when they are released.”
Warden Dean Epps, who is overseeing the program, said offering the program should help reduce the number of inmates with rule violations. “It is also an opportunity for them to interact more with their children through a variety of fun activities,” she said.
Members with the Soldier On veteran inmate program are assisting in providing resources and support, Epps said.
