Former Black Mafia Family Member Launches Nonprofit; Tonesa "Toni" Welch Starts Organization for Children of Incarcerated Parents

LOS ANGELES, CA, May 01, 2013

Former Black Mafia Family (BMF) member Tonesa "Toni" Welch officially launched her nonprofit organization Sylent Heart today. The organization's mission is to help the children who are impacted by incarceration live the most nurturing and fulfilling lives possible. Sylent Heart will provide resources including mentoring, personal development workshops, arrangement and transportation of visits, school supplies, clothes, shoes, electronics, field trips and more.

It is the goal of Sylent Heart to provide children with the tools to get through adolescence as seamlessly as possible considering the circumstances, and minimize the risks associated with parental incarceration. The organization wants each and every child to learn how to accept the challenges of their situation and avoid making the same mistakes as their parent(s). By nurturing the child and their parent's relationship, Sylent Heart encourages understanding, support, and success of all participants. Welch says, "I understand how incarceration impacts children and parents because I am a statistic". Welch's son is currently in federal prison serving an 11 year sentence under the BMF indictment.

Welch was the girlfriend of BMF co-founder Terry Flenory and was indicted with over 150 other members. Upon her release from serving a four year federal prison sentence for money laundering she started the organization. While imprisoned she witnessed firsthand the impact that incarceration has on children and vowed to make a difference upon her release. The program will be focused on children in Detroit, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, where the Black Mafia Family's significantly impacted society. The organization's first major event will be held this summer in Detroit, MI. To get involved, volunteers or potential partners can visit the website at http://www.sylentheart.com.