Families Doing Time

A Message From Our Program Director

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, we at FDT, do so with grateful and humble hearts! Admittedly, this holiday season feels a little different as we tie up loose ends and prepare not just for a few days off, but for the end of a season.

By now you may have heard that the Center for Community Transitions has made the very difficult decision to “sunset” the Families Doing Time Program with the close of this 2024 year. This choice was not made lightly, as we recognize the profound impact FDT has had on children and families affected by incarceration for nearly 20 years. However, the decision to end FDT was necessary to keep with our core mission and to adequately resource our reentry direct services, which include second chance employment (LifeWorks!) and gender-responsive alternatives to incarceration (Center for Women & Behavioral Health). Ultimately, preparing parents to return more resilient and productive will be the greatest benefit to the youth and families in our programs. We shared this news with our families at our 3rd Tuesday gathering last week and by way of this newsletter we are making the official public announcement today.

As the program director, I want to take this time to share how grateful I am to have had the experience to lead this program and grow my extended family with the children, caregivers, community partners, volunteers, interns, and professional staff who made our program a success. While Kenjuan, Franny, Tina and I prepare to transition our employment with CCT, we are grateful to have enjoyed our time together and know that our journey does not end here, rather it only extends to new adventures to share, new friends to make and new experiences to learn from, for each of us.

In this season of Thanksgiving, I dare not say good-bye; instead I say, "Until next time!" I want to encourage you all to be thankful for all that you have; grateful for the family & friends you love and cherish; and to be appreciative of all the blessings that are sure to come.

Be well my friends...

~ Dr. Kim

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven”

FAREWELL MESSAGES FROM OUR STAFF

Kenjuan Watkins: It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Families Doing Time will be closing its doors. As the program manager, I have had the privilege of working alongside an incredible team and a dedicated community of supporters, all committed to uplifting and empowering children and families impacted by incarceration and deportation. Over the years, we have touched many lives, offering support, hope, and resilience during some of the most difficult times. While it is deeply painful to see this chapter come to an end, I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. We have created a space for healing, advocacy, and comfort, and we will always cherish the connections we’ve made with the families we served. I want to express my deepest gratitude to every individual, partner, volunteer, and donor who has believed in our mission and contributed to our work. Your support has been invaluable. Though this is a farewell from our program, the spirit of our mission will continue in the hearts of all who have been part of this journey. I look forward to seeing future change agencies rise to lead the charge for brighter futures to come.

-Mr. Kenjuan

Franny Perez: It’s been a true honor to connect with so many incredible individuals. Saying goodbye is bittersweet; while I feel sadness at leaving such wonderful people, I am also filled with joy knowing my time in this program has made a difference. I hope the families and children we’ve served hold onto fond memories of our time together. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and proud of the growth our FDT kids have achieved. As we part ways, know that you all have a friend named Franny and that I will forever cherish the memories we've created at Families Doing Time. Farewell and best wishes on your journeys ahead.

-Ms. Franny

Tina Martin: It's with a mix of emotions that I’m writing to you today to say goodbye. I’m truly saddened to leave this incredible FDT team and the amazing families I’ve grown to know. I’ve learned so much from each of you, and the friendships we’ve built will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for the support, laughter, and collaboration over the last couple of months. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.

- Ms. Tina