Christmas Celebration in Prison Helps Mend Father-Daughter Bond

A recent Christmas celebration organized by Prison Fellowship provided a crucial opportunity for a father, Darryl Brooks, to reconnect with his teenage daughter after years of separation due to incarceration. Brooks was sentenced to 50 years for his involvement with crack cocaine, leading to a long absence in his daughter’s life. The event marked one of the first times they could spend quality time together since her childhood.

Brooks’s daughter was just three years old when he was first imprisoned. As a result, their interactions during her formative years were limited to brief and infrequent visits. It wasn’t until she became a teenager that they managed to have an extended visit during a Prison Fellowship Christmas party. The occasion proved challenging for both, as they struggled to connect after years apart. “It felt awkward. I didn’t know her, and she didn’t know me,” Brooks reflected.

The event allowed Brooks to present his daughter with a Christmas gift through the Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program, which aims to bridge the gap between incarcerated parents and their children by facilitating the delivery of gifts. This experience was transformative for Brooks, who noted the emotional significance of being able to express his love and commitment to his daughter through such a gesture.

Being an incarcerated parent poses unique challenges, not only for the individual but also for their children. Brooks acknowledged that his daughter faced difficulties at school, largely due to the stigma associated with having an incarcerated parent. “In a way, she served the time with me,” he said, highlighting the emotional toll their separation took on her.

Despite these challenges, Brooks credits his time in prison as a pivotal moment in his life. It was five years into his sentence that he made the decision to change. He enrolled in the Prison Fellowship Academy, which equipped him with essential skills and values to foster healthier relationships and improve his parenting abilities. “My whole life turned around in prison,” he said. “I put off my old, self-centered way of thinking and followed a new path grounded in God’s love.”

Brooks emphasized the importance of community support during his incarceration. Volunteers and mentors played a significant role in his transformation, helping him navigate the complexities of his past and instilling in him a sense of accountability. He participated in various parenting courses and developed the social skills necessary to reintegrate into society, a process that took less than eleven years of his sentence.

Now, as an academy program director at Prison Fellowship, Brooks dedicates himself to supporting others who find themselves in similar situations. He aims to provide guidance and mentorship to men currently incarcerated, helping them work toward positive change. “I have the privilege to know, honor, and love my daughter,” he stated, noting the additional joy of being involved in the lives of his two grandchildren.

Brooks’s journey underscores the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have on families affected by incarceration. He encourages others to consider how they might support children and families in similar circumstances during the holiday season. “Your gift could make all the difference in the life of a little boy or girl who misses their mom or dad this season,” he said, reflecting on the powerful connection made possible through programs like Prison Fellowship Angel Tree.

This Christmas, Brooks hopes that more people will recognize the importance of reaching out to those impacted by incarceration. The emotional and social benefits of such connections can lead to healing for both parents and children, ultimately transforming lives for the better.