Donations sought to help bring incarcerated women, their children together

Holidays are a time for togetherness, creating memories, counting blessings and spreading joy. But at the Women’s Community Correctional Center on Oahu, Christmas and Hanukkah can be just another day, one of time served.

The Catholic Diocese of Honolulu’s Prison Ministry is helping change that. Every December, over the past 14 years, the ministry and its generous elves have spread holiday cheer and also thrown a special party, one that brings together children, their incarcerated mothers and caregivers.

Known as Star Light, Star Bright, this program was “established with the hope that the simple act of giving would help in the process of mending damaged or strained relationships between incarcerated mothers, their minor children and their children’s caregivers.” Since its debut in 2000, it has touched the lives of nearly 2,800 Hawaii children, according to the ministry’s website. Star Light, Star Bright coordinator Paulette Vernay could not be reached as of press time Tuesday.

In 2012, the ministry started transporting children and their caregivers to Oahu for the party, with St. Stephen Diocesan Center providing housing and meals for a few days stay. Originally, the program only brought gifts to children, but has since transformed into a day that participants cherish forever.

This year, 159 children have registered for the program. The ministry needs $19,000 to fly 59 children and 34 caregivers from neighbor islands to Oahu for the Saturday celebration at the Women’s Community Correctional Center, said Toni Schwartz, state Department of Public Safety spokeswoman. Donations are being sought for airfare, the party and gifts.

“For many caregivers, a trip to another island is an unaffordable luxury and cannot be squeezed from a tight budget,” states an Oct. 15 letter to donors from the prison ministry. “Star Light, Star Bright’s priority challenge is raising funds for airfare for neighbor island families who are economically impoverished. A round-trip ticket equates to a priceless reunion of mother and child.”

Warden Eric Tanaka estimated about six or seven “family days” are held throughout the year, typically around the holidays, at the Women’s Community Correctional Center. He said such days, including the upcoming Star Light, Star Bright party, give families an opportunity to tell their loved ones how much they love and miss them while also allowing for hooponopono — the practice of reconciliation and forgiveness.

For many families, Tanaka explained the mom and dad are like the nucleus. When a parent is extracted because of their criminal activity, it is often an emotionally-charged time that can be confusing, frightening and sad, as well as lead to a breakdown in communication. He added, the family days are important for helping rebuild broken relationships and mending sorrowful experiences.

Tanaka stressed that these women are not just inmates; there’s a human side of them that does not go unnoticed.

These reconnection opportunities are also important because they give the women encouragement. In order to participate, the inmate must have a record of conducting themselves in a positive manner and doing well according to the center’s management, Tanaka said.

Besides making a positive impact and making inmates feel good during the day of, such events are also a good transition for them, serving as an excellent springboard on how to be a proper mother and a bridge for successful re-entry into the family and society.

Nicole Alana, the center’s offenders services administrator, said the happiness and “magical moments” Star Light, Star Bright brings are evident for all to see. For the inmates, they typically see hope and a better future for themselves. After the celebration, there’s often even more motivation and confidence to learn various skills and gain work experience to create a better life. The inmates are also more determined to maintain and strengthen bonds.

Tanaka and Alana expressed gratitude to all the groups, their volunteers and donors who support the inmates at the Women’s Community Correctional Center and their families. To donate or for more information about Star Light, Star Bright, call 203-6722, email pvernay@rcchawaii.org or visit catholichawaii.org and click on “prison ministry.”