Winter Wonderland Event Brings Families Together

HENNING – Last Saturday, 41 residents of the Women’s Therapeutic Residential Center (WTRC) were given the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with their children and families at the annual Winter Wonderland event, hosted by Memphis-based Women Empowered to Be Self-Sufficient (WEBS).  The organization has volunteered with WTRC for 21 years and has been hosting the event for the last 11 years.

The children in attendance were able to enjoy games, food, crafts, and open gifts that their mothers had purchased and wrapped for them.  The gifts were donated from local organizations, WTRC residents’ family members, volunteers, churches and individuals across West Tennessee.

Pat Culp, Founder of WEBS, said she started the organization because she saw a need of support for the women in prisons.  Culp adds, “Women don’t have as much societal support as men, and the women are usually the ones to hold up the relationships.  I didn’t want mothers to lose touch with their children, so I started Winter Wonderland in 2007.  The residents can shop for their family in the week leading up to the big Christmas party on Saturday.  We are building a bridge for families.  Most of these women are eventually coming home and it is our job to change their mindset.”

Alma Harris, WTRC Chaplain, said she likes having the big Christmas party every year.  “I want the women to experience what it is like shopping in the mall for their children.  It’s a special time because the children also get to experience receiving a gift from their mother, whether it is through the mail, or the children get to come on Saturday to receive it in person.  The event gets better every year.  Our staff and volunteers make sure the event goes smoothly.”

Residents must be disciplinary free in order to attend the event.  TDOC supports family reunification programs and encourages family support throughout the year.