At FFIMI, we have sounded this alarm before—and we are far from alone. Advocates, families, clinicians, and impacted individuals have long called for meaningful change at Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH). Yet the suffering continues. The population at BSH includes some of the most vulnerable people in our state—individuals living with serious mental illness. These individuals… Continue reading Bridge Over Troubled Waters: A Call for Change at Bridgewater State Hospital
Incarceration is often defined by loss—the loss of freedom, autonomy, connection, and purpose. But in certain prisons, programs exist that challenge this stark reality, offering opportunities for growth, healing, and service. One such program is the American VetDogs Prison Puppy Program, which allows incarcerated individuals to raise and train service dogs that will eventually assist… Continue reading The Transformative Power of the Prison Puppy Program
The McLean Hospital Division of Psychotic Disorders invites you to join Dr. Julie M. McCarthy, PhD and colleagues for a series of educational webinars for family members and friends of a loved one navigating mental health recovery for psychosis, substance use, depression, anxiety, and more. The webinars will share skills from evidence-based approaches and presentations… Continue reading An Invitation from McLean Hospital –
Lockdowns and time in ‘the hole’ are no substitute for treatment. FFIMI shares this summary of Boston Globe Article from December 22, 2024, by the Editorial Board. Incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts prisons are facing a growing crisis: the widespread availability and devastating impact of the synthetic cannabinoid K2. The Boston Globe recently highlighted this epidemic,… Continue reading K2 in Massachusetts Prisons: An Epidemic Without a Real Solution
Another scathing report about Bridgewater State Hospital Disabiltiy Law Center just released their Feb. 6, 2025 report and the conditions at Bridgewater State Hospital (BSH) have NOT improved. The report states: "The Commonwealth must stop waiting for change that will never come and protect BSH Persons Served (PS), a population widely recognized as including individuals… Continue reading Disability Law Center Finds Unlawful, Violent Practices and Unsafe Environmental Conditions Persist at Bridgewater State Hospital
By Guest Blogger Ernest Nate Benjamin Hello again, friends, family, and supporters of Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness! Before I begin, I’d like to share a thought-provoking quote: “It becomes more necessary to see the truth as it is if you realize that the only vehicle for change are these people who… Continue reading Rehabilitation Over Profit: The Case for Meaningful Prison Programs
At FFIMI, we are committed to learning from global approaches that prioritize dignity, mental health, and rehabilitation for incarcerated individuals. The article we’re sharing today highlights the progressive Nordic prison model, which emphasizes humane treatment and rehabilitation—an approach that stands in stark contrast to the punitive conditions found in many U.S. prisons, especially for those… Continue reading Green Space in Prison: Rehabilitation through Beautification
By Ernest Nate Benjamin Hello, friends, family, and supporters of Family & Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness (FFIMI). I wanted to share another piece for the FFIMI blog. I wrote to the powers that be a while ago, hoping to secure funding and training for clinicians to learn about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing… Continue reading From Trauma to Healing: Advocating for EMDR in Prisons
By Benjamin Walsh Years go by, and I don't understand my place here or what this is—what prison is. Is it punishment? Correction? Restoration? Hell? Just a warehouse? All those things at various times? The department is a living contradiction of aims. It needs strong leadership to bring it into becoming something that actually resembles… Continue reading A Reflection from the Inside: The Power of Leadership and the Opportunity for Cultural Shift in the Massachusetts DOC
What are the long-term effects of excessive sentencing on individuals, families, and communities? We are sharing this resource for those who might be interested in an event aimed at promoting restorative justice, something that FFIMI is passionate about. Join a panel conversation to explore the state of excessive sentencing in the United States as well… Continue reading Excessive Sentencing and Mass Incarceration in Context – at Tufts Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life
Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness ~ Advocating for those who are Justice Involved 