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Wisconsin's 'Caravans of Love' Bring Hope to Incarcerated Mothers on Mother's Day

Former inmates and activists turned a grocery store parking lot into a beacon of hope. Their honking horns and flashing lights carried a powerful message to Taycheedah prison.

The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Solidarity...
The image shows a group of people walking down a street, holding a banner that reads "Solidarity and Feminism". There are several vehicles parked on the side of the street, and in the background there are buildings with windows, a dish antenna, and a clear blue sky.

Wisconsin's 'Caravans of Love' Bring Hope to Incarcerated Mothers on Mother's Day

A group of activists in Wisconsin held a drive-by demonstration on Mother’s Day to support incarcerated mothers. The event, known as the 'Caravans of Love,' involved more than a dozen cars passing Taycheedah women’s prison in Fond du Lac. Organisers aimed to remind those inside that they are not forgotten on a difficult day. The demonstrations began in 2025, led by Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing of Wisconsin (EXPO). This year, participants gathered in a grocery store parking lot before driving roughly two miles to the prison. As they passed, they flashed headlights, beeped horns and played music—including Marianne Oleson’s choice of Caravan of Love—to show solidarity.

Among the drivers was JenAnn Bauer, a mother of three who was once incarcerated at Taycheedah. She joined to help ease the emotional weight of Mother’s Day for those still inside. Deandrea Hardman, another former inmate and EXPO activist, also took part. Though initially anxious at the sight of the prison, she found comfort in the group’s support and later checked on two recently released women. The event was organised by Marianne Oleson, a long-time activist with EXPO. She started the caravans to create a visible, uplifting presence for mothers separated from their families on the holiday.

The caravans provided a moment of connection for incarcerated mothers and their supporters. By driving past Taycheedah prison, participants offered encouragement and reminded those inside of a community beyond the walls. The tradition, now in its second year, continues to grow with each Mother’s Day.

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