Transform teens who have family in prison

Valeria is one of more than 1,000 teens across the U.S. who are treasured student members and graduates of POPS the Club.

Back in 2015, Valeria’s fears surrounding her family’s struggles with immigration drew her to visit a POPS club for the first time. In that nurturing space, she experienced transformation. 

Before joining POPS, Valeria hid her fears and anxieties from teachers, counselors, peers, even her closest friends. POPS helped her understand she was not alone and empowered her to open up. In doing so, she discovered that her personal story is her strength!

It is estimated that more than 10 million children have experienced parental incarceration at some time in their life. And these kids face unique difficulties. In addition to the trauma of separation, behavioral consequences can be severe. 

Children impacted by incarceration and detention are disproportionately more likely to have higher dropout rates, higher incidences of depression, ill-health, and anxiety. Parental incarceration disproportionately affects people of color and low-income populations, and a system of laws and regulations enacted to profit off the families of the incarcerated imposes still more burdens.

And yet these children have remained nearly invisible.

After graduating from high school, Valeria stayed connected to POPS, and this year we were able to hire her to be our Volunteer Coordinator, even as she continues her college studies and holds down a second job.

One day at that second job, a customer offered Valeria a tip. She asked if instead he would consider a donation to POPS, the organization that had so critically impacted her life.

After he read about POPS’ mission, the gentleman made an extraordinarily generous donation.

·     a reduction in depression and anxiety

·     an increased desire to graduate high school and go on to college

·    a decision to leave behind gang associations

·     trading violence for artistic expression

·     an overall optimism about life that they did not have before

Each week POPS receives calls from schools, teachers, principals and community leaders wishing to bring POPS to their schools. We're ready to launch at new sites in 2020, but we need your support as we seek to raise $50,000 to support our expansion. 

You are part of our village, and your support means so much, so we hope you'll consider a donation this holiday season! 

P.S. Your gift makes it possible for a POPS provide each club with a nutritious lunch, a trained leadership team, our self-empowerment, self-expression and community engagement curriculum, publishing opportunities, and the kinds of other support members need to grow, heal and thrive.