The Value of Freedom: The Berks Kids Crisis

November 29, 2017 23 By EngineerMommy

Thank you Amnesty International USA for sponsoring this post.

During the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, many of us are on the go all day long. We may be shopping for holiday presents, baking up delicious treats in the kitchen and trimming the tree with handmade ornaments. However, as we go about our days, we probably take for granted the one thing that makes all this possible: our freedom.

The sobering truth is that the freedom of many have been wrongfully taken away. There is a human rights crisis going on at Berks County Residential Center in Pennsylvania, where dozens of fathers, mothers and children are being held in jail. Their only so-called crime is seeking safety for their families. Amnesty International USA is fighting to ensure that people fleeing violence are given a fair hearing & humane treatment and we can help them achieve their goals.

This holiday season, think about your own freedom. What does your freedom let you do? Maybe it’s getting up early in the morning & whipping up the most decadent hot chocolate and enjoying it in your favorite part of the garden!

The Value of Freedom

The Value of Freedom


Maybe it’s spending a fun day with the family listening to classic Christmas tunes while decorating the Christmas tree with your favorite ornaments.
The Value of Freedom

The Value of Freedom


Maybe it’s heading to the local swimming pool for a fun family day outing with the kids.
The Value of Freedom

The Value of Freedom

Let’s stop taking our own freedom for granted and start helping Amnesty International restore the freedom of those that deserve it! These families have been forced to flee their homes because their lives are under threat and their human rights are being violated. We all share a responsibility to help people who have lost everything, and to give them a chance to rebuild their lives safely the same way all of us would need to if we were in this horrible situation. For more information about the current situation at Berks, check out the video below:

A lot of the people fleeing violence have few decent options available to them. For example, parents are facing an impossible choice: stay and risk violence or flee to the U.S. and risk ending up behind bars with their children. In August, four families were released after being held for nearly two years at Berks. Some of the Berks children spent a significant amount of their lives essentially behind bars, some learning to walk and talk in jail. Whether for two weeks or two years, no family should be jailed for seeking safety.

The situation is not getting any better at Berks! In fact, Berks is currently holding at least 60 parents and kids. Many of them are from Central America, where Amnesty International has documented horrific violence. We must welcome refugees & do everything we can to ensure protection for people who are fleeing violence. Visit Amnesty International today to learn more and see how you can help.

The Value of Freedom

The Value of Freedom


What can you do about this? You can make your voice heard! Simply sign a petition, attend a local group meeting, organize a peaceful protest, volunteer your time, donate money, or become a member of Amnesty International online. There are hundreds of students, community advocates, workers, spiritual leaders and young professionals, who are taking a stand on this human rights crisis. And you can join them!

For Amnesty International, the power is in the numbers! The organization has been a leader in the protection of human rights since 1961. When a group’s justice, freedom, truth or dignity is denied, Amnesty International steps in. They find the facts, expose the truth and rally people together to create change! It’s a powerful process that has a big impact throughout the country and around the world. Remember to log on to Amnesty International and make your voice heard today!

The Value of Freedom

The Value of Freedom

Let’s stop imprisoning parents & kids for seeking safety! I am already committed to helping Amnesty International achieve their goals. Would you consider joining me to help Amnesty International fight for the human rights of these families that have been wrongfully jailed?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.


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