A couple years ago, Kathy was living in Minnesota with her husband and teenage son.  After committing a crime, she was sentenced to serve two-years in FCI-Pekin.  Kathy’s family was devastated that she would be living so far away from home.  Kathy’s husband, Brian, feared that he and his son would not be able to visit her during her entire incarceration because trips to Pekin, Illinois would put a financial burden on his family. 

Prior to the Volunteers of America of Minnesota Prison Visitation and Transportation Program’s first trip to FCI-Pekin, Brian and his son made the trip only once. Their church funded that trip.  Then in 2005, Volunteers of America of Minnesota began transporting children and their caregivers to FCI-Pekin to visit on a quarterly basis.  Brian and his son quickly began participating in the program and made five trips with the program to see Kathy. 

Finally after months of separation, Kathy returned to Minnesota in November of 2006.  The family reunited and Kathy is making a smooth transition back into the community.  Brian, Kathy, and their son all report that their family is stronger because of the visits during Kathy’s incarceration.  Kathy’s son reported that his relationship with his mom is better now than it was before her incarceration.  He also said that he feels the trips to FCI-Pekin not only allowed him to maintain contact with his mom, but also taught him that other kids were going through similar circumstances.