Every Child Deserves a Parent Who is Healing: How You, Yes You, Help Incarcerated Dads Build Relationships with Their Children

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John McAllister is the Reentry Coordinator for You Yes You! After spending several years in prison, he now serves at the point of contact and mentor for You Yes You! fathers during and after their incarceration. John works with You Yes You! fathers to find employment and housing as well as ensure their basic needs are met to ensure a successful return home to their community and family.

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Rachel Rhodes has over 15 years of experience in social services across Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. As the founder of Seven 7 Counseling and Coaching and the Program Manager for You Yes You!’s Mindfully You! mental wellness program, Rachel's mission is to empower individuals and couples, guiding them to intentionally connect with their true selves. Her approach centers on fostering inner peace and authenticity in navigating life's complexities. Rachel infuses her work with a love for nature and culture, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the world. She firmly believes that embracing one's true self is the key to leading a meaningful life. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rachel is a dedicated advocate for humanizing incarcerated individuals, firmly standing by the belief that everyone deserves connections and peace, regardless of their circumstances. She actively works towards building a more compassionate society, one relationship at a time.

Ericka Sanders is the visionary Founder and dedicated Executive Director of You Yes You! Since 2014, she has passionately pursued the organization's mission to bridge the gap between incarcerated fathers and their children while empowering them to be exemplary dads. Operating within two Indiana prison facilities, Putnamville and Plainfield Correctional Facilities, You Yes You! conducts year-long cohorts that include innovative father-child activities, mental wellness sessions, fatherhood classes and reentry support. These initiatives, including fatherhood celebrations, back-to-school events, and Halloween parties, designed to foster family bonds. Through these multifaceted initiatives, Ericka Sanders and You Yes You! are making a profound impact on incarcerated fathers, their children, and their communities, with the ultimate goal to decrease recidivism, humanize incarcerated fathers and create healthier families. Since 2018, You Yes You! has impacted over 150 fathers and 300 children. Ericka is a graduate of several leadership programs including United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) Leadership United and Black Leadership + Legacies. A member of the Marion County Reentry Coalition, Reform Alliance, and a committee member of UWCI’s Digital Equity Coalition. In 2023, Ericka was the recipient of the Community Engagement Award presented by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Derek Tomaw served 12 years with the Indiana Department of Corrections working in different ranks and positions including Correctional Manager, Re-Entry Program Coordinator, Correctional Officer, Correctional Sergeant and Correctional Lieutenant. He started a new career in 2023 in law enforcement becoming a Merit Deputy with the Putnam County Sheriffs Office.