What are your plans for the holidays? Spending time with family? A special dinner or visiting loved ones you haven’t seen in a while? For many of us, this time of year is all about reconnecting with those who mean the most to us.

At Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC), we support over 300 children in the Bronx and Brooklyn who are affected by the absence of a parent behind bars. The holiday season can be especially challenging for our scholars, as they miss out on the family moments many of us take for granted. In New York City alone, more than 105,000 children are affected by parental separation due to incarceration.

In response to the needs of our children, CPNYC launched Bond Beyond Bars, an initiative designed to help children stay connected to their parents despite physical separation.

BEHAVIORAL DATA

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING

Studies show that children who maintain contact with their incarcerated parents experience 30% fewer feelings of anxiety and depression than those who lose contact. (Child Welfare League of America)

Reduced Behavioral Issues

Children who have regular communication with their incarcerated parents are 50% less likely to exhibit behavioral problems, leading to better social and emotional outcomes. (National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated)

Lower Risk of Future Incarceration

Children who stay connected to their incarcerated parents are 40% less likely to be incarcerated themselves in the future, helping to break generational cycles. (Journal of Marriage and Family)

Academic Improvement

Children with ongoing parental connection tend to perform better in school, with 40% showing improved school attendance and engagement when they maintain family ties. (Urban Institute)

Making a difference:

Donate: Every gift contributes to a child’s sense of security and well-being.
Become a Monthly Supporter: We're inviting 1,000 new supporters to create a lasting impact. Your monthly donation will sustain these essential programs year-round, ensuring that families can reliably stay connected through both life's celebrations and challenges.
Spread the Word: Share, post and repost Bond Beyond Bars on social media to invite more people into the mission and inspire them to get involved.
Check for Corporate Matching: Many employers match employee donations, doubling your impact and helping even more families.

100% of the proceeds will go directly to bringing families together and creating memories our children will cherish.

Every donation, no matter what size, makes a big difference.

With your help, we can create opportunities for our scholars to enjoy the holidays with their mothers and fathers.

Letter Writing Support

Letters provide children with a meaningful way to share their experiences—whether it’s celebrating a school achievement, recalling a special moment, or simply expressing everyday thoughts.

Your contribution helps cover the costs of stationary, envelopes, stamps, and other supplies, ensuring personal messages between children and their parents continue.

JPay Access

JPay is a prepaid app that enables children to exchange messages, photos, and videos with their incarcerated parents.

Your gift helps CPNYC to cover the registration and setup fees, easing the financial burden on families and making it easier for children to stay connected with their parents.

Virtual Visits

CPNYC facilitates virtual video calls, similar to FaceTime, allowing children to connect with their parents. This service creates a sense of closeness and emotional connection when in-person visits aren’t possible.

Your generosity helps cover the technical and logistical requirements needed to make these virtual visits a reality.

In-Person Visits

CPNYC provides door-to-door transportation and logistical support to help children visit their moms and dads in correctional facilities.

Your donation will help cover the costs of transportation, gas, accommodation, meals, and therapeutic services, as well as make these visits more frequent, offering more families the chance to reunite.