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Project M.E.N.D.
(Mothers Encouraging and Nurturing Their Daughters)
Going to jail has a devastating effect not only on an individual but also on family members. A study conducted by Girls Scouts of the USA found that girls are 4-5 times more likely to go to jail if a parent has been incarcerated. With female incarceration rates in Oklahoma being the highest per capita in the nation, Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma decided to do something to counter the trend. In 2002, they partnered with Turley Correctional Center to create Project M.E.N.D., which works to repair the broken mother/daughter relationship due to separation from incarceration. 
Now a statewide program available in six correctional facilities, Project M.E.N.D. provides an opportunity for many mothers to bond with their daughters for the first time. Together, they participate in a unique Girl Scout troop with curriculum that includes drug and alcohol prevention, conflict resolution and other valuable life skills. Guest speakers discuss self-esteem, healthy eating and exercise, stress and anger management. Animosity between daughters and mother is tackled head on. Girls also go on trips together and participate in community service, as they would in any other traditional Girl Scout troop. Once the mothers return home, many choose to continue in the program with their daughters in a special troop for bridged M.E.N.D. participants.
 Since its inception, Project M.E.N.D. has served hundreds of mothers and daughters, providing a community that supports and strengthens women’s efforts to make positive changes in their lives. For the girls, doing things with their mothers has a life-changing impact. Program participants report better decision-making skills, a desire to help those around them and a closer relationship with loved ones.
For more information about Project M.E.N.D., please contact Sheila Harbert, Director of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars at 918-749-2551.
Boys 2 MENd
As the mother/daughter relationships were strengthened, it was discovered that a missing element to creating positive change in a girl's environment was the involvement of siblings. A supplemental program called Boys 2 MENd was created to embrace the full family by providing specific programs for boys on a monthly basis.
Project Reconnect
Building on its current success of Project M.E.N.D., Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma has added a re-entry component, Project Reconnect, launched in 2008 with numerous community partners: Workforce Oklahoma, Tulsa Technology Center, Helping Women Recover, HOPE (Helping Oppressed People Elevate), the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, and the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
Project Reconnect helps offenders successfully transition from prison into their community. It consists of family-oriented programming, vocational training, drug counseling, tutoring for children of incarcerated parents, and a 12-step drug support group. With no cost to the offender, Project Reconnect provides:
- Vocational Training
- Transportation to Training
- Drug Counseling
- Housing Assistance
- Clothing Assistance
- Job Placement Post-Graduation
- Meals During Training
- Life Changing Workshops
- Transportation for Children for Enrichment Activities
- Tutoring for Children
- Fun Outings for Children
- Free Girl Scout Registration
Project Reconnect has requirements for participation:
- Must be a mother/grandmother.
- Must pass a Workforce skills test.
- Must participate in Project M.E.N.D.
- Must complete 12-week training program.
- Must participate in evaluations.
- Must meet physical requirements of training .
- Must be community eligible.
Family Reunification and Mentoring
In late 2010, the work of Girl Scouts Beyond Bars expanded yet again as Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma was awarded two federal grants to provide new programs with one-on-one mentoring for women and their children as they navigate their world after incarceration. Volunteer mentors are needed! It only takes 4 hours a month to change a life. If you are interested in mentoring a child, you must be a caring adult 18 years of age or older (click here to inquire about child mentoring). If you are interested in mentoring an adult, you must be a caring adult 21 years of age or older (click here to inquire about adult mentoring).
You can make a difference!
Our Project M.E.N.D. girls are making a difference ... so can you. Volunteer to be a mentor or click here to financially support Girl Scouts Beyond Bars!
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