Get On the Bus

As we walk through Lent, we are asked to contemplate Jesus' ministry and great sacrifice in preparation for the joy of His promised resurrection at Easter. During this same time, more than 1,500 children in California who have a parent in prison are walking through the darkness of separation in preparation for a glorious reunion with their mother or father thanks to the Get On The Bus program. Get On The Bus provides consolation and joy to children who, through no fault of their own, have lost their parents to the criminal justice system. Their grief and loss are then compounded by economic insecurity, family instability, self esteem and trust issues, and social stigmatization.

This year Get On The Bus mirrors our Lenten journey and provides a timely opportunity to put faith into action. Dozens of parishes have gotten involved with this special ministry and have been instrumental in uniting children with a parent in prison. Buses will originate in communities all over the state and will travel to three women's prisons and six men's prisons on May 7, 2011 and June 18, 2011, the Saturdays before Mother's and Father's Days.

Please consider how your parish might bring about a more restorative model of justice by supporting Get On The Bus. There are many ways that your parish community, youth or social justice group, or even individual families might participate:

•    Hold a fundraiser to support the event;
•    Sponsor a child, a family, bus or become an event sponsor;
•    Gather volunteers to create a Bus Team;
•    Collect supplies for Travel Kits or Stay In Touch bags that are given to each child.

A member of the Get On The Bus staff will be happy to help you find just the right was to help unite children with their parents in prison.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please call Hilary Carson, Program Coordinator at (818) 980-7714 ex.12. 

Learn more by visiting their website.