"A lot of our [collage] included green space....(with) covered areas to get out of the sun. The play areas have textures, climbing, and enough space to play ball (and) frisbee. Our (collage) was mostly about variety for kids." - Sara and Danielle, incarcerated mothers

"Having the women design the garden gives them the feeling of ownership with this project and it will make them feel really good when the project is complete. Working along side the women is a great experience and it shows them that we don’t judge them for the mistakes they made in the past." - Jordan, design student

"Children need regular access to healthy outdoor environments. Natural environments are critical for promoting positive mental health and for cognitive development. Time spent outdoors can help children cope with the stress of having an incarcerated parent." - Professor Julie Stevens

"Nurturing healthy physical and emotional connectivity between mother and child is, perhaps, the most profoundly important task associated with mothering." - Dr. Amy Wagenfeld

"The women come in with stories to share and ideas about what they want to see in the Children's Garden. Our conversations are about the gardens and about life and change. We can truly make a difference for the women who are incarcerated and the people who visit them." - Joey, Design Student

"I want to be involved with this project to help me confront my issues and make sure that I do not end up back here again. I also want to help the women who are and will be in here. I'd like to come back and volunteer to help other women after the end of my sentence." - Michelle, incarcerated mother