They all STAND A CHANCE,
if given an opportunity.
Growing up with a parent in prison creates a lifetime of challenges. Breaking the cycle begins with something they can count on.
Growing up with a parent in prison creates a lifetime of challenges. Breaking the cycle begins with something they can count on.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Even if their life was chaotic before the arrest, it is nothing compared to adapting to the sudden loss of a parent. Regardless of what the court has proven, they feel lost, confused, angry, uncertain and abandoned. In addition, this makes them vulnerable to a range of mental health issues, including ADHD, PTSD, eating and sleep disorders, low self‑esteem, chronic depression, and Substance Abuse Disorder. The incarceration of a parent is recognized by mental health professionals as an Adverse Childhood Experience, (ACE) which places it in the same category as severe sexual abuse.
BEHAVIORAL
The child’s psychological effects are often followed by periods of acting out and uncharacteristic displays of anger. The anger may be entirely out of context, but continues to build, which leads to a high risk of delinquency.
SOCIAL
Withdrawal is a natural response. They want to hide until it goes away. The stigma even makes life uncomfortable around their own circle of friends. If this behavior is prolonged, it may eventually lead to antisocial behaviors traits.
DEVELOPMENTAL
The trauma of witnessing an arrest and removal of a parent from the home, often disrupts overall development; this causes short-term challenges followed by long‑term damage. Quite often, grades begin to drop and there is a loss of interest in learning or achievement. The child becomes easily distracted and even begins skipping class, which can lead to dropping out of school altogether.
ECONOMIC
Parental incarceration means an sudden loss of income, which probably began with a scramble for bail money or attorney fees, but never ended. At the breaking point, economic hardship can cause so much stress for those left standing. The family could end up living in a crowded, abusive location or homeless.
STAND A CHANCE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports children that have struggled with the ongoing challenges of growing up with an incarcerated parent. Through our scholarships, mentorships and innovative character-building programs, we manage to instill confidence and a newfound hope. Our mission is to provide a solid education and viable opportunities, so they can reach their full potential and thrive. With the steady support and encouragement from our team as well as our much appreciated donors, this group of kids will certainly STAND A CHANCE.
“I got to see one of my favorite students turn his thinking around and pursue college. And it wasn’t just the money for tuition; Stand a Chance gave him the direction and support that he needed.”
Brenda B., English Teacher, East Baton Rouge Parish School District
BIG DREAMS
+
REAL HOPE
They all STAND A CHANCE.
Make a contribution today to fulfill the big dreams of a higher education for all kids!
APPLY TODAY! ~ You'll be on your way to
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APPLY TODAY! ~ You'll be on your way to ~
Get in touch with us soon, so we can make plans for your future. Ask questions early on, so applications and essays do not cause unnecessary anxiety and stress. Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis year round, but do not procrastinate. We want you to excel in everything you do.
IMPORTANT:Write your essay first, because it must be uploaded before the application will submit. Don’t stress over the essay. Just tell us your story. Be yourself. We just want to know you! Don’t worry, it is impossible to fail this assignment.
Compose a 1-2 page essay from ONE of the following prompts:
The Essay
Pay it Forward Watch the movie, if you haven’t seen it! Do you think this concept is important as we go through life? When you graduate and embark on a rewarding career, what would you contribute to those still struggling with the challenges that arise from by having a parent locked up? What were the most difficult situations that you faced? Can you remember a time when someone did something that really made a difference in how you dealt with a situation?
Survival of the Fittest “What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger” That old saying is a bit abrasive, but sometimes life feels so tough. It helps us to think of it as a challenge and never give up. Are you at the point where you can appreciate your own resiliency and tenacity? We have all said “why me?”, but can you see yourself rising above it all? More often than not, we do not like the cards we are dealt, but we can still win the game. And winning with a bad hand?—that’s a real shining star. When you can take life of lemons and make lemonade? Sure, it would be nice to live on Easy Street without constant struggles. But you can be an overcomer, surpassing all expectations in spite of the challenges you have faced. In fact, perhaps this life was mapped out this way as a training camp to become a real leader and role model.
Break the Cycle Write a mock letter to your parent on how important it is to break this cycle of incarceration. Talk about your lifelong dreams and how you plan to carry them out. Tell them how difficult life has been without them present. Explain the statistical likelihood of repeating the mistakes and your solid plan to break the cycle, Come up with your own psychological theory of why something like incarceration becomes a cycle in a family. In other words, why would a person recreate the same traumatic events that they endured as a child into their own family? Why do humans seem to repeat these cycles?
QUESTIONS ?Call, Text or Email anytime!
inquiry@standachance.org
(504) 777-7674 • (833) 387-7479
Sue Ann Staton • Founder & Director
