My Experience Being a Mother While Incarcerated

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Stacie and Audriana

By Stacie

In September 2017, I was sentenced to four years in prison. It was through the intake process that I learned I was pregnant. I was flooded with emotions. I was going to deliver a baby while being incarcerated. Who was going to take care of my baby when she got here?

Someone told me about New Horizon Ministries. Around a month before my due date, I met with the social worker for NHM to interview for the program. I went into that meeting with every guard up. I was looking for a reason to turn them away. The mother in me didn’t know how I was going to deal with a stranger taking care of and raising my baby. The social worker, Krista, was so patient with me. She answered every one of my questions and informed me of every aspect of the program and what it had to offer. As much as I wanted to deny it, I knew this was the right choice. My baby was born 3 weeks early, and Audrianna made her way into this world. She was so perfect. Two hours later she was taken from me, and my heart broke in a way it never had before. I cried and cried.

Another Mom and Child Visiting

Part of the NHM program gives you a two-hour visit every week with your baby. A handful of other moms and I met an hour before our visit for a Bible study. It was here that I formed my first relationships with NHM as I fell in love with Anna Stoltzfus and the display of God’s love that she offered. I never felt judged or less than with her or any other person I met involved with NHM. The first time I got to see, hold, and hug my baby during a visit, I fell in love with Audrianna all over again. Wednesday visits became the highlight of my week. The foster family that cared for Audrianna was so much more than I could ever hope for. They truly loved Audrianna as their own and it eased my heart to know she was in such good hands.

Stacie’s Baptism

I eventually was released from prison on parole and began working on my reunification with Audrianna.  I met the goals outlined for me and before I knew it she was in my care. It has now been almost 2 years since I reunited with my daughter. I still maintain a close relationship with the foster family and members of NHM. Since getting out of prison, I’ve gotten baptized and married. I’ve worked my way up to a General Manager position and am continuing to grow every day. NHM played a huge role in my support to get me to where I am today. They are so much more than a New Horizon…they are a new direction, a new-found hope, new relationships, and new life. I can honestly say I don’t know where I’d be today without them.

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