Mary Bullock, LCSW, MBA is a remarkable woman who has helped pregnant women in the Indiana Women’s Prison for 18 years. She has an enormous passion for volunteering and supporting these mothers. She has provided the babies with the health they need to start their lives in the best condition possible. Mary Bullock also conducts a 6-week prenatal and postpartum class in the Indiana Women’s Prison, showing how much time she dedicates to this cause.
Indiana also has a program that lets moms and babies stay together for a limited time while moms serve their sentences. Some moms choose to let family members babysit until they're free, but Mary Bullock's support doesn’t stop there. She offers developmental tips, while still meeting with the mom to share parenting wisdom.
Mary also runs an intimate partner violence (IPV) class, helping women break free from the chains of bad relationships. Eleven weeks of resources, coaching, and empowerment—because these women are not just doing time; they're preparing for a fresh start.
During COVID, the Indiana Women’s Prison is releasing moms and babies due to COVID-19 concerns. Mary provided cribs and strollers the same night they were released.
After moms are released, Mary continues to help them restart their lives—providing cribs, car seats, and even employment assistance.
Healthy Start is a community-based federal program on a mission to obliterate disparities in infant mortality. Indianapolis Healthy Start works tirelessly to make sure moms and babies in the state’s prison system get all of the services they deserve. Felicia Hanney, MPH, the Program Manager at Indianapolis Healthy Start, believes that doing time shouldn’t deny you access to quality care, education, and the chance to grow and learn.
The Indianapolis Healthy Start program even throws a graduation party for families completing the program. Mary and Felicia have witnessed the transformation, and moms who once started the prison program are now graduating with flying colors.
These women truly care about the impact they are making. Felicia Hanney even stated,
“What we're doing is making an impact in the community, whether a woman is in prison or not. And that is what continues to drive us every day…if we can reach you, we will try to make sure you can access the resources you need.”
Now, let’s talk about the people who often don't get the spotlight, the pregnant women behind bars. According to NPR, their care is like a hidden treasure, often overlooked and neglected. Hundreds of women enter the prison system and many aren’t provided with the care they need. Luckily these moms have an opportunity to be a part of the Wee Ones Nursery. Mothers who are non-violent offenders qualify for this voluntary program where moms and babies can live together for up to two years.
However, we as a society can also help, by taking actionable steps to support mothers like Mary Bullock, LCSW, MBA, who has dedicated 18 years to helping pregnant women in the Indiana Women’s Prison. Or join initiatives like Healthy Start, a federal program addressing infant mortality disparities, and follow Felicia Hanney, MPH, Program Manager at Indianapolis Healthy Start, in ensuring incarcerated moms and babies receive the care they deserve.
Support goes beyond prison walls—contribute cribs, car seats, and employment assistance to help these moms restart their lives post-release. Recognize the impact of programs like Wee One's Nursery, offering non-violent offender moms the chance to live with their babies for up to two years.
Your involvement matters; follow, volunteer, or contribute to organizations making a real difference. As Felicia Hanney emphasizes,
"If we can reach you, we will try to make sure you can access the resources you need."
Act now and be a part of transforming lives behind bars.
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