Healing Absence for Generations
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In 2013 Life Site News reported that about 20 million children in the United States have an absent parent. Studies show that children growing up without a parent (mother or father) are more susceptible to poverty, behavioral issues, abuse, and exposure to age-inappropriate activities. These serious problems will affect generations of families if not given immediate attention.
Ericka Parker, founder and CEO of G.R.I.P.P Outreach Program, knows all too well the feelings of those children. Her father, Donnie “Gripp” Griffin, was incarcerated in 2000 when she was only thirteen years old. Growing up without a father was in itself a difficult experience, but when the judicial system became involved, her feelings of helplessness and hopelessness increased dramatically. She was always encouraged to communicate with her father through letters, gradually reducing her feelings of abandonment, but her desire for true self-knowledge grew in the year of his release in 2005. Unfortunately, the bonding process between the two was cut short when Griffin passed away of cancer nine months after his release. This was a major “speed bump” to her growth. Parker understood that the past held vital information for her future progress. The connection to her past now gone, left her with many unanswered questions and concerns and a keen awareness of the immensity of the loss to her and so many children of incarcerated parents.
Gripp Outreach Program was established not only to commemorate Parker’s late father, but also to help low-income families and children in similar circumstances heal through various platforms. Sadly, statistics show most children follow the path of their incarcerated parents as a result of their absence. Your donations help fund this organization’s initiative to provide school supplies for children we mentor and tutor. We will also be able to provide trips, activities, and seminars to aid families in developing coping and reunification strategies. Let us teach our children they are not alone and can achieve anything. Join forces with Parker in Giving Rehabilitated Inmates Purpose to Parent. For more information please visit www.grippoutrreachprogram.wix.com/goprg.
In Loving Memory of
Donnie “Gripp” Griffin
04/29/1965 - 05/19/2006
Ericka Parker, founder and CEO of G.R.I.P.P Outreach Program, knows all too well the feelings of those children. Her father, Donnie “Gripp” Griffin, was incarcerated in 2000 when she was only thirteen years old. Growing up without a father was in itself a difficult experience, but when the judicial system became involved, her feelings of helplessness and hopelessness increased dramatically. She was always encouraged to communicate with her father through letters, gradually reducing her feelings of abandonment, but her desire for true self-knowledge grew in the year of his release in 2005. Unfortunately, the bonding process between the two was cut short when Griffin passed away of cancer nine months after his release. This was a major “speed bump” to her growth. Parker understood that the past held vital information for her future progress. The connection to her past now gone, left her with many unanswered questions and concerns and a keen awareness of the immensity of the loss to her and so many children of incarcerated parents.
Gripp Outreach Program was established not only to commemorate Parker’s late father, but also to help low-income families and children in similar circumstances heal through various platforms. Sadly, statistics show most children follow the path of their incarcerated parents as a result of their absence. Your donations help fund this organization’s initiative to provide school supplies for children we mentor and tutor. We will also be able to provide trips, activities, and seminars to aid families in developing coping and reunification strategies. Let us teach our children they are not alone and can achieve anything. Join forces with Parker in Giving Rehabilitated Inmates Purpose to Parent. For more information please visit www.grippoutrreachprogram.wix.com/goprg.
In Loving Memory of
Donnie “Gripp” Griffin
04/29/1965 - 05/19/2006
Organizer
Ericka Parker
Organizer
Woodbridge, VA