Aid to Incarcerated Mothers

CONTACT:

434 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02118
617-536-0058

Jean Fox, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

AIM, founded in 1980, was the state’s first organization serving women prisoners. Most such women are convicted of nonviolent crimes, usually substance abuse or prostitution; 80% are victims of abuse -- physical, emotional, and/or sexual -- in childhood and/or adulthood; their average is 35 years old, with 2-3 children, battling alcohol or drug addiction, with little education and few skills, often suffering from untreated mental illness. Often she is depressed, with very low self-esteem, and suspicious of caregivers, Her children are at high risk for emotional instability, low school achievement, violence, early pregnancy, and substance abuse. Government agencies only rarely address these families’ needs. AIM is their best hope, owing to its highly respected track record, commitment to confidentiality, and holistic services -- helping both mother and children in all their needs, focusing on uniting the family, treating them with warmth, respect, and faith in their rehabilitation (note: a “philanthropic” attitude). AIM doesn’t tell them what to do; it works with them to turn their lives around, and places more faith in them than they have ever experienced before. AIM needs to grow. It serves 100 women yearly; investment in case managers and professional counseling staff for women, children, and families will be a big help.

(2003: HUMAN SERVICES: Girls and Women: General)