PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Portsmouth nonprofit and the Portsmouth Sheriff's Office partnered together to give fathers in jail the chance to see their children and families this holiday season.
The MAN Foundation, which stands for Men Alleviating Negativity, says its goal is to reduce recidivism in this year's Santa Workshop.
One father and inmate says he’s relieved to be reunited with his family.
"It’s important to me because I’ve been incarcerated for a while now. This is a chance where I get to see all my children at the same time," McCoy Morris said.
"Some of my children I can’t see in visitation because they are too young, so this is an opportunity where I can see them in regular clothes," McCoy said.
The fathers enjoyed family time with food, games and laughter.
Families even got a surprise from the Grinch.
"It gives us a breakout from being frustrated behind bars. It’s a relief," Morris said.
The foundation says it wants to keep families together.
"We’re breaking the cycle of recidivism by allowing their families to come in. That allows them to rest their mindset so they don’t re-offend," Dr. Jacquline Walker, the founder of the MAN Foundation said.
The fathers at the Santa Workshop have less than six months left in jail and are in jail for non-violent offenses.
