OUR STORY

The Story Behind MAF: A Legacy of Reconnection

MAF began with a father, a daughter, and the connection they found through fishing and time outdoors.

JULY 24, 2026 · MERSADES ANN FOUNDATION

The Mersades Ann Foundation is rooted in a deeply personal story. Scott Morgan’s incarceration affected his daughter Mersades Ann’s youth. In time, father and daughter found their way back to one another through fishing, honest conversation, and shared time outdoors.

Research context

The U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that state and federal prisoners reported having 1,473,700 minor children in 2016. Nearly half of state prisoners and 58% of federal prisoners were parents of at least one minor child.

This is a point-in-time estimate for state and federal prison populations—not a count of every child who has ever experienced parental incarceration.

Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Parents in Prison and Their Minor Children

A relationship rebuilt outdoors

Fishing gave Scott and Mersades a place to be together. The setting was simple, but the connection mattered: time near the water created room to talk, listen, and rebuild their relationship.

That experience became part of the foundation’s understanding of what time outdoors can offer. MAF centers outdoor experiences because they can provide a different setting for children and families to connect, learn, and feel supported.

A moment that carried forward

Her example of sharing that connection with other children inspired the Mersades Ann Foundation.

Its mission focuses on children impacted by parental incarceration, using outdoor experiences to nurture learning, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth.

More than a name

Mersades Ann’s name represents a story of family, reconnection, and hope. MAF’s work is an invitation to keep that story moving forward through fishing days, camping experiences, mentorship, and community support.

Every volunteer, sponsor, donor, family, and community partner becomes part of that continuing effort: creating experiences where children can feel seen, steady, curious, and connected.

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Help carry the mission forward

Support MAF through volunteering, sponsorship, or a one-time or monthly gift.

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