Jail Brakers host holiday service for families of incarcerated

Jail Brakers is planning a special holiday season prayer service in support of families who are especially hard hit by separation and loss due to an incarcerated loved one at this time of year at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, 503 W. Jackson St. in Woodstock from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8.

Jail Brakers is a support group that provides a safe place for children and families to express their emotional reaction to the separation from a family member who has been incarcerated.

According to the organization's founder and Executive Director Cheryl Niemo, “We have planned a very special spiritual service in honor of all families experiencing the holidays with the difficulty of having loved ones incarcerated. In recognition of our deep capacity to love and support one another we have asked a few amazing people to take part in our service by providing gifts of talks, music and poetry.”

Families are invited to bring a childhood photo of their loved ones to be placed on the altar for the candle lighting service.

The event is free and open to the public.

To assist in planning please e-mail jailbrakers@gmail.com with confirmation of attendance as soon as possible.