Massachusetts becomes fifth state in nation to make prison calls free
Tag: restorative justice
Help, not Handcuffs
There is a significant lack of access to adequate mental health care in incarcerated settings. FFIMI could not agree more with NAMI's perspective of HELP, NOT HANDCUFFS. Sadly we all have loved ones who did not receive the mental health treatment they needed and became enmeshed in the criminal justice system. We share this repost… Continue reading Help, not Handcuffs
My Battle with PTSD – Before and After Being Behind the Wall
By Ernest Nate Benjmamin Hello, friends and supporters of Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness. A few months ago I had the opportunity to share my thoughts regarding my 29 years behind the walls of Massachusetts state prisons. Again, I was asked to guest write for the FFIMI blog. This time it's a… Continue reading My Battle with PTSD – Before and After Being Behind the Wall
FFIMI Supports Two Important Legislative Bills
This summer has been a productive month of advocacy for the Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness. Several of our members participated in two Massachusetts legislative hearings in support of the following bills: Representative Ruth Balser’s bill H.2985 An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Correction to the Department of… Continue reading FFIMI Supports Two Important Legislative Bills
The Price of a Mint Leaf: A Day in the Life on the Inside
We share the following anonymous, true story to shed light on the culture inside the walls of correctional institutions. It exemplifies the continuous trauma that individuals endure in the system. It must change and we will continue to speak on behalf of those who have no voice. It feels good to have my hands in… Continue reading The Price of a Mint Leaf: A Day in the Life on the Inside
New Report Finds More than 122,000 People in Solitary Confinement in the US
by Jean Casella ~ Reposted from Solitary Watch May 23, 2023 Solitary Watch and Unlock the Box sent out the following press release on the morning of May 23, 2023. Washington, DC — The watchdog group Solitary Watch and the advocacy coalition Unlock the Box today released a groundbreaking joint report showing that at least 122,840… Continue reading New Report Finds More than 122,000 People in Solitary Confinement in the US
Mass Judiciary Committee Hearing Announced for Tuesday, July 25th, 1pm ET
An Opportunity to Testify on Behalf of Justice-Involved Individuals Have you wondered if there is anything specific and tangible you can do to support the mission of FFIMI and criminal justice reform? We're sharing the following information to inform you of an important avenue of support you should be aware of and may decide to… Continue reading Mass Judiciary Committee Hearing Announced for Tuesday, July 25th, 1pm ET
Through the Lens of 29 Years Behind the Walls of Massachusetts State Prisons
By Ernest "Nate" Benjamin “A prisoner has time that he can put to good use. I’d put prison second to college as the best place for a man to go if he needs to do some thinking. If he is motivated in prison, he can change his life!” Malcolm X My name is Ernest `Nate’… Continue reading Through the Lens of 29 Years Behind the Walls of Massachusetts State Prisons
Free Phone Calls for Incarcerated Individuals = Family Connection
by Donna Winant Many families have paid out great amounts of money for phone calls to keep in touch with incarcerated loved ones. This can cause financial hardships for many struggling to keep afloat. If families have to limit calls due to finances, they cannot receive assurance that their loved one is surviving their incarceration. This… Continue reading Free Phone Calls for Incarcerated Individuals = Family Connection
Bridgewater State Hospital in Hot Water Regarding Oversight
Advocates and families clash with pro-status quo government forces to transfer the hospital out of the hands of the Department of Corrections by Summer Maxwell - Repost from Student Dispatch Boston - Stories Around Boston - Nov. 2, 2022 *Editor's note: This piece was written prior to the Massachusetts Elections. FFIMI hopes for positive action… Continue reading Bridgewater State Hospital in Hot Water Regarding Oversight
Family and Friends of Individuals with Mental Illness ~ Advocating for those who are Justice Involved 