Welcome to the Table: Bedford Hills Correctional Facility

For many years, there was a mural on a wall in the playroom of the Children’s Center at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility that read, Joy is unbreakable so it is perfectly safe in the hands of children.

That mural no longer graces the playroom; however, the spirit it sought to convey is very much alive at Bedford Hills – to fill precious moments between mothers and children with as much joy as they can hold.

The COVID – 19 pandemic has temporarily changed the way our staff does this.  The playroom remains closed for now; however, we continue to provide free, round trip transportation to children from across New York State and beyond.

Once children arrive at the facility, they and their mothers tear into visiting activity bags filled with toys, games, books and art supplies. Together, they talk, play, create, laugh, read, hug, eat, and have their pictures taken – all those things that come naturally when mother and children are together.

Hour Children’s Bedford Hills programming also includes parenting education, telephone advocacy, card making, book sharing, and a special group for pre-teens and teens that helps them stay connected to their mothers while they support one another as peers. Group picnics, field trips and outings bring Hour teens and pre-teens together through the year. They learn from one another how to cope with separation and stigma; and how to find joy despite the challenges presented by incarceration.

The bonding of mothers with their infants is a sacred experience, and Hour Children remains committed to honoring it at the Infant Nursery. The only unit of its kind in New York State’s correctional facilities, it is a safe, welcoming place where babies can live with their mothers from birth and up to 18 months. Hour Children’s nursery manager, social worker and doula work with each mother to provide mental health support and tailored instruction in child development, parenting, and breastfeeding.

There is great joy in welcoming children into the world; in supporting them as they remain lovingly connected to their mothers; and in accompanying them as they grow.

As 2021 comes to a close, we invite you to invest in joy – always needed, unbreakable, and safe in all hands – by supporting Hour Children’s programs at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

Thank you from all of us and heartfelt wishes for lasting joy!