The United States has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, with about 4,700 people incarcerated in the city of Philadelphia alone. Prisons and jails for both youth and adults can be plagued by overcrowding and abuse, and lack of proper support systems on the outside can lead to recidivism.
Here are some local organizations supporting people who are or have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
Beyond The Bars
Beyond The Bars aims to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and end the cycle of violence through the power of music. Starting as a volunteer program for youth incarcerated at the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Facility, the organization now operates music labs across the city to meet youth where they are – whether that be schools, recreation centers, or homeless shelters. Programming includes music production training, music lessons, and a mobile studio.
Pennsylvania Prison Society
This organization has been supporting people in prison for over 200 years. Founded by local historic figures including Benjamin Rush, the Pennsylvania Prison Society provides transportation for families to visit loved ones currently incarcerated, tracks issues at correctional facilities, and mentors individuals in their transition to society upon release.
Systemic Reformative Change
Tyree Wallace was 19 years old when he was sentenced to serve life in prison for a murder he did not commit. After 26 years, he was released from prison and exonerated. Knowing the impacts of incarceration, Wallace founded Systemic Reformative Change to empower the community to be civically engaged, access resources, and find support when reentering society. Based in Norristown, the organization offers job and community service opportunities by training formerly incarcerated individuals to become street captains and leaders. SRC has also organized cleanups and fundraised for Philadelphia students.
Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project
Philadelphia incarcerates youth at a rate that is higher than major cities like New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles. The situation is so dire that juvenile jails have become overcrowded.
The Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project works to keep children out of adult jails. Its initiatives include an intergenerational healing circle to form connections through shared experiences, assistance for youth and their families in navigating the court process, and connections to education, health services, and employment upon reentering society.
