Growing and Coping Together

Hello Everyone ! My name is Kanaka K. Henry. I am the founder of Growing and Coping Together, Inc. (GCT).  I am excited to introduce this local nonprofit to those who are not aware of our services in Northwest Arkansas. 

GCT MISSION: Restoring the relationship of children who have experienced having an incarcerated loved one by providing compassionate interventions as they grow and cope together.  

GCT VISION: Strive to empower healthy relationships between children and their current/formerly incarcerated loved one of Northwest Arkansas. 

GCT VALUES: Integrity, Advocacy, Awareness, Mentoring, Empowerment, Relationship Building, Community Outreach, and Dedication 

What YOU need to know …

Nationally, it is estimated that around 5.1 million children have experienced a loved one in jail or incarceration at some point in their lives. Arkansas surpasses all other states with 16% of children in the state, a total of 109,000 children. -Annie E. Foundation.

Being separated from a parent can often lead to family conflict, grief, and an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, behavior issues, trauma, and often times crisis as a result of a child not in a stable home. Some children are in and out of foster homes. Furthermore, the experience of visiting a parent(s) in jail/prison is often frightening and can lead to feelings of distress. A child dealing with the separation of an incarcerated parent is also likely to experience disruption in the school setting, such as decreased academic performance and being stigmatized by peers and even teachers. Some children face bullying, shaming, and develop poor self-esteem.

Kanaka’s Personal Story 

After experiencing first-hand what life was like having an incarcerated parent and several other imprisoned loved ones growing up, Kanaka was inspired to start Growing and Coping Together, Inc. to empower and provide support to younger generations going through the same experiences. She coined the term “Jewels” and uses this term to refer to any child/adolescent who is growing up with a parent or loved one in jail/prison.  

Kanaka became a “Jewel” before she was even born. Her father was in and out of jail her entire life. At the age of 16, Kanaka became pregnant. Her two Jewels have experienced the same heartbreak of having their father incarcerated. With perseverance and determination, Kanaka finished college and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. With Growing and Coping Together, Inc. Kanaka’s goal is to provide mentorship, restore parent/child relationships involved in the justice system and help break the cycle of generational incarceration.

Your donations will make a difference by providing resources for ...

$ 300.00- Supplies - updated educational material, trainings, and basic office supplies 

$ 500.00- Community Outreach -  for example, $20 dollars can assist with a gas card, $25 dollars can assist with personal items, $50 dollars can assist with a utility bill. . 

$ 700.00-  Social/Emotional Support - providing social/emotional health services to least 50 children/youth within the school setting. 

$ 1000.00 - Act of Kindness Program- A designated volunteer will interview formerly incarcerated/currently employed parents/guardians for determination of paying a small fine to help maintain stability. 

One of Growing and Coping Together, Inc. core values is to provide resources to increase stabilization with the incarcerated loved one, their family, and their community. Growing and Coping Together, Inc. provides services through referrals from the community, school, through collaboration with other nonprofits, social workers, and school counselors who have reached out for support with students in high poverty areas,  including those families who qualify for free and reduced priced lunch.  

Past Partnership Projects Include...

 -  Washington Plaza Apartments and Maple Manor Apartments to provide resources 

 - Fayetteville Police Department the past two years to provide a free backpack for students of Asbell Elementary

 - Walmart to sponsor one back to school event and  Summit Care (DHS) for two back to school events 

 - Founder of Divas and Dudes to support re-entering adults with resources which includes donations for small fines 

 -   Lighthouse Solutions, My T-By Design, SecondHand Smoke to support children in the community with toys, coats, and hot meals

 Growing and Coping Together, Inc. serves jewels ages 0-18.  All races and ethnicities, that have been impacted by incarceration within the criminal justice system of Northwest Arkansas are welcome.

We are grateful for NWA Gives, You, and for taking the time to read our description. Growing and Coping Together, Inc. is motivated to serve in our Northwest Arkansas community!