About Overcome Together
We believe every child deserves a safe space to heal, create, and discover their potential.
Our Story
Overcome Together Foundation was born from a simple yet powerful belief: that art has the transformative power to heal, connect, and empower children facing extraordinary challenges.
Children with incarcerated parents often carry invisible burdens—confusion, stigma, isolation, and complex emotions that can feel overwhelming. Traditional support systems may not always address their unique needs, but creative expression offers a universal language that transcends words.
Through partnerships with local art studios, teaching artists, and community creatives, we've built a network of safe, welcoming spaces where these children can explore their feelings, discover their strengths, and connect with others who understand their journey.
Every painting, sculpture, and creative project becomes a bridge—connecting children to their emotions, to supportive adults, and to a community that sees their potential, not their circumstances.
Photo by shraga kopstein on Unsplash
Our Mission
To provide children with incarcerated parents access to creative spaces that support healing, self-discovery, and emotional and creative expression through partnerships with local art studios and creatives.
Our Vision
A world where every child, regardless of their family circumstances, has access to supportive communities and creative outlets that nurture their emotional well-being and help them thrive.
Our Values
- Compassion: Meeting each child with empathy and understanding
- Creativity: Honoring the power of artistic expression
- Community: Building supportive networks of care
- Empowerment: Fostering confidence and self-discovery
How We Work
Our collaborative approach connects children with creative opportunities through community partnerships.
Photo by Saifee Art on Unsplash
Community Partnerships
We partner with local art studios, galleries, and creative spaces to provide access to professional environments and materials.
Trained Teaching Artists
Our programs are led by skilled artists who understand trauma-informed practices and create safe, supportive learning environments.
Holistic Support
Beyond art instruction, we provide mentorship, emotional support, and connections to additional resources as needed.
Celebrating Growth
We celebrate each child's creative journey through exhibitions, showcases, and community events that honor their work and progress.
Our Approach to Healing
Art therapy and creative expression offer unique pathways to emotional healing and personal growth.
Non-Verbal Expression
Art allows children to communicate complex feelings and experiences that may be difficult to express in words, providing a safe outlet for emotions.
Peer Connection
Group settings create opportunities for children to connect with peers who share similar experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
Building Confidence
Creating art builds self-esteem and confidence as children see tangible results of their efforts and creativity.
Trusted Relationships
Consistent mentorship and supportive adult relationships provide stability and positive role models in children's lives.
Get to Know Our Founder
The personal journey and professional commitment that drives our mission.
A Personal Connection
My father has been incarcerated since two weeks before my seventh birthday with a ninety-year sentence. This personal experience has shaped everything I do. I understand firsthand the profound impact that parental incarceration has on children and families—the grief, confusion, isolation, and resilience that comes with carrying this burden.
Rather than letting my circumstances define my future, I channeled my experience into understanding systemic solutions. I knew I wanted to work at the intersection of policy, nonprofit management, and direct support for families impacted by the criminal justice system.
Education & Mission
I earned my Master's degree in Public Policy from Drexel University with a concentration in nonprofit management. My thesis research focused on government and nonprofit support for children and families impacted by incarceration—exploring how organizations can create meaningful change in this space.
That research and my lived experience converged with a core belief: art has transformative power. Creative expression offers a universal language that transcends trauma, provides healing, and helps children discover their strength and potential. This foundation led to the creation of Overcome Together—a space where research, passion, and practice unite to support the most vulnerable children in our community.
Why This Matters
Every child we serve carries a story like mine, though their circumstances are unique. By combining art-based healing with community partnerships and trauma-informed practices, we create the safe, supportive spaces I wish I had had growing up. Our work is personal, purposeful, and deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves healing, connection, and hope.
The Impact of Parental Incarceration
Understanding the challenges faced by children and families affected by the criminal justice system.
Our Growing Network
We currently partner with 5 art studios and creative spaces throughout the Bay Area, offering diverse art-based programs including pottery, theater, dance, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. As our impact grows, we continue to expand partnerships with new studios and artists who share our mission of healing through creative expression.
Emotional & Psychological Impact
Children with incarcerated parents often experience profound emotional trauma including grief, shame, anxiety, and depression. They may struggle with complex feelings about their parent, wrestle with stigma and social isolation, and grapple with disrupted attachment and loss of normalcy in their daily lives.
Educational & Developmental Challenges
Research shows these children often face academic struggles, behavioral difficulties, and developmental delays. They are at higher risk for school dropout and face significant barriers to social development and peer relationships.
Why Art-Based Healing Matters
Creative expression provides a non-judgmental outlet for processing trauma, building resilience, and reconnecting with a sense of agency. Through art, children can communicate their experiences, reduce isolation, build confidence, and develop healthier coping mechanisms—all while being part of a supportive community that validates their experiences and potential.
Be Part of Our Story
Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, you can help us create more opportunities for healing and hope.