Amy Ard
Amy Ard is the Executive Director of Motherhood Beyond Bars, a nonprofit organization that supports incarcerated mothers, their children and caregivers. The organization focuses on breaking cycles of incarceration in families by addressing the unique challenges faced by pregnant and parenting individuals in the criminal justice system.
Amy's journey to leading Motherhood Beyond Bars began with a pivotal moment in 2016 when she witnessed a woman from a local jail giving birth while handcuffed to a medical gurney. This experience compelled her to explore the intersection of incarceration and pregnancy and eventually brought her back to her home state of Georgia.
Under Amy's leadership, Motherhood Beyond Bars has expanded its programs to provide holistic family support, perinatal education and diversion strategies aimed at connecting pregnant women with treatment and community-based support rather than incarceration. The organization has enrolled nearly every infant born to incarcerated women in Georgia into its Holistic Family Support Program, ensuring critical care and support for these vulnerable families. In 2019, Motherhood Beyond Bars successfully advocated for legislation outlawing the shackling of pregnant individuals in Georgia's carceral facilities—a landmark victory for maternal justice.
The staff at Motherhood Beyond Bars is essential to its success. Many staff members have experienced maternal incarceration themselves and now work to support and empower others. Their personal experiences shape the organization's approach to serving families impacted by incarceration, fostering understanding and compassion.
Amy has also fostered innovative partnerships, including a groundbreaking research collaboration with Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This research illuminates the impact of parental incarceration on infant health and caregiver well-being, driving conversations about justice reform and public health.
Recognized as a visionary leader and tireless advocate, Amy has dedicated herself to empowering vulnerable families and creating lasting systemic change. Her commitment to justice, maternal health and equity has inspired transformative work that continues to grow and evolve and the Atlanta Falcons are proud to nominate her for the 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker Award.