They all STAND A CHANCE, if given an opportunity.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
Adapting to the chaos of their life was nothing compared to the loss and upheaval of an incarcerated parent. Regardless of what the law states, they are abandoned, confused, angry, lost and uncertain about everything—-and vulnerable to a mental health breakdown—— low self‑esteem, chronic depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Abuse Disorder
BEHAVIORAL
Changes in behavior often accompany the psychological effects. Children often act out and display increased aggression that is uncharacteristic of their normal behavior. Unfortunately, this continues to build into a much higher risk of delinquency.
SOCIAL
Withdrawal is a natural response. Hide until it goes away. The stigma even makes it uncomfortable around their circle of friends. They may withdraw or show antisocial behaviors.
ECONOMIC
An incarcerated parent usually means a 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. Unfortunately, the family could end up in poverty or even homeless.
DEVELOPMENTAL
An arrest is an abrupt parental removal, which disrupts overall development, causing short-term challenges and long‑term damage. The signs are a drop in grades, lack of interest in achievement, and skipping school, which leads to an increased risk of dropout.
Growing up with an incarcerated parent creates a lifetime of challenges.
STAND A CHANCE is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the prosperity of children with an incarcerated parent. Our mission is to empower, encourage and support them with scholarships, mentorships and ongoing character-building programs.
“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.
Become a personal sponsor to one of our students for $50/month, Engage one on one with a student as a mentor to hear their progress and share in their success every step of the way.
Apply today, and you'll be on your way up!
BIG DREAMS + REAL HOPE
Apply today, and you'll be on your way up! BIG DREAMS + REAL HOPE
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Get in touch with us sooner rather than later, so we can get a head start on planning your fabulous future. Ask questions early on, way before you submit your application. Applications are accepted and considered on a rolling basis year round!
IMPORTANT: Write your essay first, because it must be uploaded before the application will submit. Don’t stress over the essay. And don’t procrastinate! We just want to see who you be! So be yourself—-tell your story—-make an impression. It is iimpossible to fail this assignmnt.
Compose a 1-2 page essay from ONE of the following prompts:
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.com
(504) 777-7674
Sue Ann Staton
Founder & Director
