Alliance of Families for Justice

In 2023, the Alliance of Families for Justice (AFJ) had a highly productive year, marked by a range of activities in its various units. The Family Support Unit organized weekly community organizing meetings and empowerment circles via Zoom, complemented by in-person events such as a holiday dinner, a family fun day, and healing retreats, which included a special retreat for parents. AFJ also began offering healing through the arts sessions online. The Legal Support Unit saw significant increases in both parole hearing preparation and prison condition cases. The Unit conducted outreach (continued on Schedule O)sessions in Ithaca, partnering with Law-NY and engaging private practitioners and law students. This led to the successful release of several clients who had served long sentences, marking a noteworthy achievement for the Unit. In terms of organizing and advocacy, AFJ held monthly training sessions and established the Shut Down Attica Coalition and continued their campaign to close Attica prison. They organized voter registration efforts on Rikers Island, participated in panel presentations, and maintained lobbying efforts to restore voting rights for incarcerated individuals. A new full-time advocate was hired for this unit, alongside the creation of fellowships aimed at enhancing their voting rights initiatives. A part-time campaign coordinator was also hired to assist the Organizing and Advocacy Unit. The Youth Empowerment Project provided in-depth learning sessions on topics including use of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, the importance of voting, how local and state government is organized and operated, financial literacy, wealth development, current events and leadership skill development. The project also saw an increase in youth participation in free behavioral health services, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being. AFJ's Ithaca satellite office continued to offer support with weekly men's and bi-weekly women's healing circles, community outreach, and voter registration efforts. They also hired a fellow and established a fellowship in honor of Dr. James Turner, furthering our mission in these regions. In fundraising, AFJ achieved success with initiatives such as a well-attended gala, grassroots fundraising efforts, and an increase in new grant proposals submitted. Throughout the year, AFJ produced a monthly newsletter, created a new executive assistant position, and elevated the Director of Grants and Development to a full-time role.