Fashion Gxd Magazine - Dr. Letitia Scott’s “Day with Dads” Event Brings Healing, Hope, and Family Connection to Sanders Estes Unit (TDCJ)
Written by: Samantha Lee
SANDERS ESTES UNIT (TDCJ), TEXAS — A day dedicated to strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories recently left an unforgettable impact on fathers, daughters, and families at the Sanders Estes Unit (TDCJ), thanks to the vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment of Dr. Jackson, founder of Keeping Families Connected.
On June 12, Dr. Jackson hosted the organization’s annual “Day with Dads” event, transforming the correctional facility into a space filled with joy, laughter, love, and meaningful connection. The event brought incarcerated fathers and their daughters together for an afternoon of dancing, dining, photographs, heartfelt conversations, and shared experiences that many families say they will never forget.
According to attendees, the atmosphere inside the gymnasium felt worlds away from the realities of incarceration. Families enjoyed elegant decorations, music, flowers, a catered meal, and opportunities to capture cherished memories through photographs. The event was carefully designed to create a welcoming environment where fathers and daughters could focus solely on one another.
Following the celebration, one participating family shared an emotional letter recognizing Dr. Jackson’s efforts and the profound effect the event had on their lives.
“What you gave to those girls, to those fathers, to families like mine—it was more than an event. It was something sacred. It was love, poured out in the most selfless and intentional way.”
The letter, signed by Jessica Moreno and Heriberto Garza, along with their daughter Natalie, affectionately referred to as the “Little Strawberry Dress Girl,” described being overwhelmed after learning the extent of Dr. Jackson’s personal commitment to making the event possible.
The family noted that Dr. Jackson not only organized the event but also ensured transportation was available so families could attend, provided dresses and shoes for young girls, and personally invested resources to ensure no child felt excluded.
“When I learned that you paid for everything out of your own pocket, that you made sure transportation was available so no one was left behind, and that you provided dresses and shoes so every little girl could feel beautiful and included, I was honestly moved to tears.”
Throughout the event, fathers and daughters shared dances, conversations, laughter, and emotional moments that many attendees described as healing. Some fathers performed music, while others used the opportunity to speak openly with their children in a setting designed to celebrate family rather than separation.
“Those were real moments. Moments that don’t come often in situations like this. When the fathers spoke from their hearts and the daughters spoke back, it felt like healing. It felt like hope. It felt like love winning, even in a place where people might least expect it.”
Dr. Jackson later expressed gratitude to the Sanders Estes Unit staff, chaplain, administration, volunteers, and participating fathers who helped make the event successful. She emphasized that her work through Keeping Families Connected is rooted in compassion and a desire to preserve family relationships despite difficult circumstances.
“I’m grateful that God blesses me to do what I do because I genuinely care. I will continue to be a blessing.”
For the Moreno and Garza family, however, the impact of the event extends far beyond a single day.
“You didn’t just give them a dance. You gave them a memory they will hold onto for the rest of their lives. You gave them connection. You gave them something to believe in.”
As Keeping Families Connected continues its mission, Dr. Jackson’s work serves as a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, love, dignity, and family bonds can still flourish.
A Daughter’s Tribute to Dr. Jackson
“I pray that God blesses you abundantly for the love you’ve shown. That He pours back into your life everything you’ve given to others, and even more. And that He continues to use you to bring light into places that need it most.”
— Jessica Moreno, Heriberto Garza & Natalie “The Little Strawberry Dress Girl”
“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
