Kim Kardashian clears legal fees for more than 50 moms this Mother's Day: 'This is life changing'

Come Mother's Day every year, most of us might pick up the phone to call our moms, help them with some work or post about how lovely they are on social media. A mother to four herself, Kim Kardashian is many steps ahead of us. The 42-year-old reality star collaborated with Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin—who is also a co-chair on the board of REFORM Alliance, an organization that works to transform probation and parole policies across the United States—to pay off the legal fees of more than 50 mothers across the country. 

All the women who received payments have a proven track record of rehabilitation and success while under supervision, and many have the support of their supervising officers to end it. The only thing standing in the way of their freedom is outstanding financial obligations. Their fees, which accumulated once the women were placed on probation or parole, can prevent their progress and the opportunities they can provide for their children.

"Thousands of mothers are stuck on probation or parole just because they can't afford to pay off their restitution, fines, and fees," Kardashian wrote on Instagram. "While on probation, they are at constant risk of being returned to prison or jail — not for committing a new crime but for technical violations like missing a meeting with their probation officer." Kardashian, Rubin and Jessica Jackson from the REFORM Alliance were seen in the video meeting and chatting with three of the mothers chosen to receive the payments: Danielle, Drew and Tarlexus. They were all extremely grateful for the relief.

"This is going to take a lot of stress off me financially, mentally and I really appreciate you guys," Tarlexus stated after being informed that her legal fees would be covered. Drew told Kardashian and Rubin, "This is actually not just making a difference. This is life-changing. I don't even know where to begin to express my gratitude. I'm going to do so much with this newfound freedom." Danielle also expressed her appreciation for their support. "Thank you so much. It means so much to me. You know, I shouldn't be punished because I couldn't afford to pay it off."

"I hope this little bit can just continue to motivate you and push you to exactly where you're supposed to be," Kardashian told the mothers.

"It's hard to fathom what these mothers have to go through," the Skims founder said in a press release, reports PEOPLE. "All they want is the chance to rebuild their lives, and yet our system keeps them stuck in an endless cycle of supervision. I want to do my part to give these women the second chance they've earned. I urge lawmakers and advocates across the country to work toward changing outdated laws that keep too many people unnecessarily behind bars. I will continue to bring awareness to these important issues until there is change."

Rubin, 50, a former Philadelphia 76ers co-owner, founded REFORM Alliance in 2019 with Meek Mill, JAY-Z and other business figures, Michael Novogratz, Clare Wu Tsai and Daniel Loeb. "Probation and parole were meant to support people as they re-entered society," Rubin said in a statement. "But instead, these systems keep people stuck. Forcing people to remain on supervision because they can't pay restitution is deeply unjust — and it doesn't improve public safety one bit."

He added of the organization's efforts, "REFORM Alliance is committed to transforming probation and parole and getting people out of the system for good so that they can be back with their families, contribute to their communities and move on to live productive lives." Kardashian and Rubin hope that by paying off the remaining restitution for the several dozen mothers chosen, they will "give these women the second chance they've earned."