Friday, March 29, 2024

Follow

Contact

8 local orgs crowdfunded to bail out ‘mamas’ from jail this Mother’s Day

National Mama's Bail Out Day. May 11, 2017 Category: FeaturedFundingShort
Here’s your yearly reminder that this Sunday is Mother’s Day!

As much as gifts like chocolate and flowers can be appreciated, spending time with our moms can mean so much more. Unfortunately for some mothers, specifically those who are in jail or prison because of not being able to pay bail, it’s just not possible for them to spend that quality time.

It’s why a national effort called National Mama’s Bail Out Day is celebrating Mother’s Day this year by organizing various cities to raise money to bail out as many mothers as possible. In Philly, a number of organizations, including Philadelphia Student Union, Philadelphia Black History Collaborative and Black Lives Matter Philadelphia, have come together to start their own crowdfunding page to join the national movement.

As of writing, they’ve raised $15,047 in three days from an initial goal of $6,000, which the page says will be able to “bail out over 10 mamas.”

In addition to raising money, the national movement is also about raising awareness to the cash bail system, something that all seven Democratic candidates in Philly’s district attorney race have been pushed to reform. The No215Jail Coalition has an online petition to end the cash bail system in Philly, with more than 2,300 signatures out of a goal of 3,000.

From our Partners

It’s part of the local discussions that are taking place to recognize and address the problems with our city’s criminal justice system, including recidivism and reentry.

“Our corrupt justice system forces innocent people who pose no threat to purchase their freedom,” said Ruth Jeannoel, a community organizer who is featured in a video introducing National Mama’s Bailout Day. “The costs are devastating. Women oftentimes lose their homes, jobs or even children, just to be found innocent. … We cannot raise our families in communities if our mamas are locked away.”

Watch the full video below.

Trending News

A City of Neighborhoods and the Challenge of Affordable Housing ImpactPHL Perspectives
From Bars to Belonging: Overcoming the Housing Crisis Facing Returning Citizens Ryan Moser
Monday Minute with Jean Pierre Brice Monique Curry-Mims
Monday Minute with Tara Felicia Jones Monique Curry-Mims
Skin In The Game Andre Simms

Related Posts

March 20, 2024

From Bars to Belonging: Overcoming the Housing Crisis Facing Returning Citizens

Read More >
November 22, 2023

Creating an Even Playing Field for Professional Women in Philadelphia

Read More >
January 20, 2022

Be the leader to bring a 26-year mission into the future in Chester County

Read More >