GIRLS
EMBRACING
MOTHERS
Sunset Announcement
A New Chapter Begins
Letter from GEM Founder, Brittany K. Barnett
Dear beloved GEM community,
With a heart full of joy and gratitude, I am thrilled to announce a significant transition as we embark on a new chapter. After a transformative decade of empowering women and girls impacted by maternal incarceration, Girls Embracing Mothers is sunsetting and passing the baton to Janie’s Angels, a nonprofit organization of a similar mission founded by GEM’s Senior Program Director, Angelica Zaragoza.
This journey has been deeply personal for me, inspired by my own experiences. As I look back on that first van trip to a Texas women’s prison in July 2013, where my mom and I began with just six girls, to now touching the lives of thousands through our programs of connection, healing, and empowerment— it’s clear that our mission has been a profound labor of love, fueled by the unwavering belief in the power of love to transform lives.
I feel immense pride, deep gratitude, and overwhelming excitement as I entrust the future of this mission to Angelica and Janie’s Angels. Angelica and her daughter joined GEM’s Pearl program in 2014 and, since then, she has made it her life’s work to uplift women and girls impacted by the criminal legal system. Having served as GEM Program Director for eight years, Angelica champions this work with love, commitment, and fortitude.
As I step into a new chapter focused on fostering economic freedom and reshaping narratives through Manifest Freedom, I carry with me cherished memories — the laughter and joyful tears joy that have marked our time together.
Thank you from the depths of my heart for your trust, support, courage, and unwavering commitment. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all our girls and moms – our beautiful GEMs who will forever shine brightly. I will be cheering each of you every step of the way. The best is yet to come.
With all my love and boundless hope for the future,
Learn more about GEM's ten-year legacy of empowering women and girls to break the cycle of incarceration.
Hear from our community what GEM means to them.
Pearl Program
Building the Mother-Daughter Bond
We provided monthly enhanced visitations between girls and their mothers in prison including creative arts therapy, shared meals, and facilitated discussions to help reduce trauma, improve children’s emotional response to incarceration, and reduce recidivism among parents.
Diamond Program
Empowering Girls to Make Positive Life Choices
We worked with young girls, whose mothers are currently or formerly incarcerated, through year-round workshops and an annual summer camp to enhance their confidence and self-esteem, discover their leadership and communication strengths, establish cognizance of health and wellness, and build positive relationships.
Ruby Program
Creating Sustainable Futures for Justice-Impacted Women
We supported women to be successful upon release by preparing them for re-entry through career-readiness and skills-based training, healing justice and parenting workshops, financial planning, transitional services, and more.
Love Beyond Bars
A Lasting Impact:
As part of our enduring legacy, GEM released Love Beyond Bars—a groundbreaking report exposing the lack of data and support for children with incarcerated parents. These children are often among the most vulnerable yet overlooked. This report serves as a lasting call to action for institutions and communities to recognize and respond to their needs with greater care, compassion, and urgency.
Continuation of Mission
Janie’s Angels
Building on the foundation laid by Girls Embracing Mothers, Janie’s Angels is committed to empowering families impacted by maternal incarceration. Founded by former GEM Program Director, Angelica Zaragoza, Janie’s Angels extends GEM’s legacy by offering holistic support for children and their incarcerated mothers. Discover how Janie’s Angels continues to champion transformation and healing, ensuring that the essential work begun by GEM flourishes for generations to come.
Founder’s Evolution
Manifest Freedom
Manifest Freedom represents a bold new chapter in Brittany K. Barnett’s unwavering advocacy, rooted in her transformative work with GEM. Manifest Freedom serves to unlock potential by exploring new models of investment in individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. By fostering economic freedom, advocating for change, and reshaping narratives, Manifest Freedom builds on Brittany’s lifelong dedication to freedom and justice. Discover how this visionary endeavor continues to redefine possibilities and inspire change.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank our donors, volunteers, and the entire community for their steadfast support throughout the years. Your enduring dedication, boundless generosity, and heartfelt commitment have been the cornerstone of our success. Because of you, we’ve been able to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of countless women and girls affected by maternal incarceration. As our mission continues to evolve and expand, your contributions remain an enduring source of inspiration and impact.