Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP)

To better acquaint our members and the greater community with our grantees, we are highlighting some of the nonprofit organizations that have received WGC grant funds. This quarter, we reached out to Amy Wilkinson, Executive Director of Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership, to learn more about the organization's mission to provide support services to women in our community.

Please introduce yourself. What is your role at your organization and how long have you been with the organization?

My name is Amy Wilkinson, I have been the Executive Director with the Children of Incarcerated Parents Partnership (COIPP) since August of 2024 and I have enjoyed every moment of it.

What is the mission of the organization, and what personally moves you about that mission? This mission deeply resonates with me because it addresses the often-overlooked challenges faced by children who endure unique emotional and social hurdles. What moves me personally is the transformative power of support and understanding that our programs provide. Seeing children develop resilience and self-esteem is profoundly inspiring. It's a reminder of the incredible strength and potential that children have and the importance of creating a nurturing environment where they can thrive.

What are the most significant challenges that the organization is facing right now? What are the most significant challenges faced by the clients/populations that you serve? One of the most significant challenges our organization currently faces is securing sustainable funding and resources to maintain and expand our programs. As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on grants and donations. This challenge is compounded by the growing needs of our community, which require us to continuously adapt and innovate our services.

For the populations we serve, the challenges are multifaceted and deeply personal. Children impacted by the incarceration of a loved one often experience emotional trauma, social stigma, and economic hardship. They may struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future. Additionally, their caregivers frequently face financial instability, difficulty accessing community resources, and the overwhelming responsibility of supporting the children through such a difficult time, oftentimes as a single caregiver.

What is the nature of the Giving Circle grant that you received in our last grant cycle, and what impact will it have on women and their dependents in Frederick?

The Women’s Giving Circle grant we received in the last grant cycle has been instrumental in supporting financial literacy programs and car-related assistance for women and their dependents in Frederick. This grant allows us to offer educational workshops that enhance financial management skills, helping women to achieve greater economic stability. Additionally, the car-related support provides critical assistance with transportation, which is often a barrier to accessing employment, education, and other essential services.

Do you have any specific stories that you can share with us that illustrate what you are doing in the community?

One story that illustrates the profound impact that our Women’s Giving Circle grant as told by a client (names and businesses have been redacted):

I became a single mom unexpectedly in April 2024 after a DV [Domestic Violence] incident with my now ex husband. I was left homeless and jobless with two kids. As I was finally getting things in order and back on track by working again as a therapist, finishing up criminal court as I pressed charges against my husband, getting the divorce going, and finding my own place with the help of Heartly House and COIPP, I finally felt like I could breathe a little easier.

I had just met with [COIPP staff] about different ways she could help me cut some of my small expenses to get through Christmas. Leaving her office my car started to make noises and shift weirdly so I attempted to pull into the grocery store with my toddler and it just completely stopped moving. I was terrified as I had my 2 year old son in the car and my daughter still at school with no one to call that was close by. I got my insurance to cover an emergency tow to my mechanic by my mothers house in Carroll County so she could oversee that as I continued to work and take care of my kids in Frederick.

A few days later my mechanic tells me there is a lot of damage to my transmission due to too much transmission fluid being put in at my last Oil Change…and it would be [very expensive]. This will be the second major fix to this car I have had so I just did not have the money available and my credit cards were completely maxed out already.

The first person I thought of to help was COIPP so I called [COIPP staff] who told them that [local mechanic] may work with me as they have a program and are partners with COIPP.

Problem was they don’t do transmission work so I told her this and said the car is a 50/50 shot if it is safe to drive and I can not get stuck again with my kids and told her my plans to try and save for the repairs and she said if I send her the paperwork she may be able to find me some help. I was not expecting much as it was christmas time and a lot of grants or funding have been cut but to my surprise I got an email that they were able to cover majority of the repairs and my mechanic was able to waive state taxes, this was truly amazing and I am beyond grateful.

I am so happy to know that my children will be able to have safe and dependable transportation while also continuing to live a normal life without the stress of mom struggling. I am so amazed by the work everyone put into this and they treated us as if we were their own family that needed them every step of the way. I hope one day when I am in a better place, I can give back what was so freely given to me.

Is there anything further that members of the Giving Circle can do to help, in terms of volunteering, in-kind donations, etc?

We are always delighted to welcome volunteers who can contribute their time and talents to our various programs, such as assisting with tabling events, participating in our Sharing Fairs, or providing administrative support to organization.

Additionally, in-kind donations of essential items like diapers, wipes, and hygiene products are incredibly valuable. These items address immediate needs and alleviate some of the financial pressures on our families, ensuring that children and caregivers can maintain their health and well-being. Every bit of support helps families in our community.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d like to add that the support from the Women’s Giving Circle has been transformative for the families we serve. Your contributions go beyond financial assistance; they send a powerful message of community care. Together, we are creating a network of support that fosters resilience and hope for families and children in Frederick. We look forward to continuing this partnership and welcome any further involvement from members who are passionate about making a difference.