MARCH 30 in DC: Conversation on Prison Beyond Penitentiary Walls

WASHINGTON, March 29, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For far too many who have served time behind bars, release from incarceration brings a new kind of prison: homelessness and poverty. Some 65 million Americans have a criminal record, limiting access to jobs, education, housing and other things necessary for a full and productive life. Any hope and new identity found behind bars can be quickly lost when faced with the "second prison"—the more than 48,000 documented social stigmas and legal restrictions that inhibit building full, productive lives after paying a debt to society. Such was the case for Casey Irwin, who struggled to find a job or a place to live because of her felony record—contributing to a subsequent return to prison.

But sentencing reform is gaining momentum in state legislatures and in Congress, bringing hope to people like Irwin who are still paying for a crime long after serving their time. Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners and their families, is leading a bipartisan coalition to proclaim April 2017 as the first-ever "Second Chance Month," and urge state and federal policymakers to do the same nationwide.

On March 30, Prison Fellowship will be joined by Irwin and representatives from the NAACP, The Heritage Foundation, American Civil Liberties Union and Americans for Prosperity, to discuss how people with a past can have a bright future, and their communities can benefit from their contributions.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Advance and on-site interviews are available with DeRoche, Irwin and others. Click here for contact information.

About Prison Fellowship
Prison Fellowship is the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform. With 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims and encourage communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive and just society.

SOURCE Prison Fellowship

Related Links

http://www.prisonfellowship.org