Out of the Ashes
A Drama Therapy Experience on Parental Incarceration, Resiliency, & Legacy
This presentation and workshop explores the emotional impact of parental incarceration on children, families, and entire communities. It is a story-driven, truth-telling journey that transforms silence into voice and pain into purpose.
1.7M
Children in the U.S. have an incarcerated parent
The Hidden Crisis
1 in 8
Children will experience parental incarceration
Lasting
Effects that disproportionately impact poor and minority communities
What Makes This Workshop Different
Not a Lecture. An Experience.
Through live monologue, scene work, and facilitated discussion, the presentation gives form to the invisible grief, shame, anger, and confusion that often accompany the incarceration of a parent. Participants witness the story and are then invited to begin telling their own.
Built from Lived Experience
Our founders, Coley Harris and his son Ahmarr Melton, rebuilt their relationship after 14 years apart due to incarceration. Today, they use their story to guide others toward transformation.
Trauma-Informed Approach
The workshop offers participants space to process, reflect, and engage through guided writing, creative expression, and optional sharing. It is designed to meet people where they are, emotionally and culturally.
Backed by Clinical Practice
Grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, restorative justice, and real-world experience, creating lasting impact that goes beyond surface-level engagement.
Core Themes We Explore
🤐
Breaking the Silence
Addressing the stigma of parental incarceration and creating safe spaces for authentic conversation.
💔
Grief Without Rituals
Processing loss when a parent is incarcerated but still alive—anger without words.
⚡
Emotional Inheritance
Understanding intergenerational trauma and how it impacts families across generations.
🤝
Collective Healing
Finding strength through shared story and building community connections.
Format
40-minute presentation + 45-60 minute workshop
Workshop Details
Delivery
Virtual or in-person options available
Audience
Adaptable for adults, youth, or multi-generational groups
Designed for Reentry Programs
✓ Returning citizens reconnecting with family and community
✓ Families navigating reentry, restoration, and rebuilding trust
✓ Program staff supporting post-incarceration adjustment
✓ Community organizations focused on healing and reintegration
"We partnered with Out of the Ashes to bring their message to our staff, families, and local reentry orgs — the impact was immediate."
— Chris Brown, President – National Fatherhood Institute
Ready to Bring Out of the Ashes to Your Organization?
We'd be honored to design a workshop that fits your goals. Whether you're looking for a powerful one-time event or a longer engagement, let's talk.