Caring for Each Other

Get Inspired: Beauty Behind Bars

Caring for Each Other. Caring for ourselves and caring for each other is an important part of creating healthy and supported communities. We're inviting your family to think about the importance of creating spaces of calm and healing for your family and others. Check out this video about people experiencing incarceration caring for each other while they receive training to become certified barbers and cosmetologists.

Get inspired! Self-care is for everyone. We all deserve space to experience relaxation, support, and care. Showing care for one another helps us to feel connected and helps to create spaces of healing during difficult times.

Let’s Talk

After watching the video Beauty Behind Bars, use the questions below to kick-start a great conversation with your family:

• What stood out to you about Beauty Behind Bars? What do you want to learn more about?

• Do you think it's important for everyone receive access to beauty and self care practices? Why?

• What's your favorite way to receive care? What's your favorite way to show care for others?

• Bonus! Call up a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while and check in.

Do Something: Family Spa Day

Caring for each other is healing. Taking a day to relax and practice some self care is important for our mental and physical health. Turn off your phones and TV, and take a moment to be intentional about supporting each other. Set a date for a family spa day, and take care of each other together.

Go all out! Make DIY body scrubs, burn a candle, and do some face masks! Create a peaceful environment to help your family relax together. Caring for each other is an important part of creating spaces where people feel secure and supported. Take turns giving each other shoulder massages, make an aromatherapy spray, and be mindful about giving yourself and family a peaceful break.

Community Connections: Illinois Prison Project Pen Pals

Create community care. The Illinois Prison Project works for a more sensible and humane prison system in Illinois by advocating on behalf of thousands of people who are needlessly incarcerated.

In response to the COVID-19 crisis that has disproportionately impacted people experiencing incarceration, the Illinois Prison Project has partnered with Solidarity Letters to create a letter writing and pen pal program to keep incarcerated individuals connected to community. People experiencing incarceration are experiencing extreme isolation and cuts to programs due to the current health crisis. Sending letters of hope and solidarity helps to provide activities and increase interaction with others during the crisis.

Options vary from one time letter writing, to multi-month penpal programs.