We are excited to share our newest video, now available at www.extendedfamilyhelp.org, featuring Shaliyah Reese. Shaliyah first participated in Extended Family for Kids (EFK) during middle school, at a time when she was learning to cope with the incarceration of both of her parents. In EFK, she gained encouragement, support, and important tools that helped her understand one of Extended Family’s most powerful messages, “It’s not your fault.” That truth stayed with her into adulthood and helped lift a burden of self-blame she had not even realized she was carrying.
Shaliyah has grown into adulthood, married, and become the mother of four children. Today, she is also serving in what she describes as her dream job – Program Development Coordinator for Extended Family. Shaliyah is the only member of our staff who first experienced Extended Family for Kids as a child. She now helps create new lessons to support and encourage others who are learning our motto, “Lead Yourself.”
We invite you to watch Shaliyah’s story and hear, in her own words, the difference Extended Family made in her life and the commitment she now brings to sharing those same lessons with others who are navigating the challenges of family member incarceration.
Shaliyah is a powerful example of why we work to change one life – because it is never just one life. To help us continue supporting children and families affected by incarceration, please consider making a donation through our website at www.extendedfamilyhelp.org.