Debra Harris and Rita Gray of the Hope Foundation Reentry Network welcome families to the organization’s holiday party, sponsored by the D.C. United Foundation. Courtesy of Fredo Vasquez
By Melissa Silverman
The D.C. United Foundation partnered with the Hope Foundation Reentry Network to bring the spirit of the holiday season to local families separated by incarceration.
The organizations hosted an event for individuals incarcerated at the D.C. Jail, which included holiday meals and a chance to create personalized cards for loved ones. Then, those cards were delivered to their families and children at a joy-filled holiday party at Audi Field on December 14.
“This event is in its third year, and we partnered with D.C. United Foundation to bring Christmas joy to the kids,” said Rita Gray with the Hope Foundation Reentry Network. She said families are invited to attend for a “Christmas gift and some good food and fun.”
The Hope Foundation Reentry Network provides essential support, focusing on employment, housing, peer and recovery support, virtual support, and recovery resources, for individuals who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated.
D.C. United defender Matai Akinmboni joined the festivities. “I just love gift giving and giving back to kids,” Akinmboni said. “It meant a lot to me to be here. The people who are around make it so easy to come out and give back.”
The party included food, activities like ornament making and cookie-decorating, a visit from Santa Claus and a heaping pile of holiday gifts. Toys like bikes and scooters were a popular gift as kids of all ages and their parents, friends and families spent the afternoon enjoying music and games.
“The reality is sometimes families have to make tough decisions,” said Shanell Mosley, Executive Director of the D.C. United Foundation. “We want them to know they are an extended part of our family, so we really are excited about this event. The playing field is not always even, so it’s important for us to provide resources and services to members of our community, to meet them where they’re at and support their vision.”