Celebrating 35 Years of Fighting for Justice
Compassion Through Second Chances
Second Chance laws do more than rehabilitate people like Vanessa Rojas. They help people reconnect with their families and rejoin their communities.
OUR MISSION
A more fair and effective justice system — for everyone.
Creating a more fair and effective justice system that respects our American values of individual accountability and dignity while keeping our communities safe. This is our mission. And as this video shows, our work is making an impact. That’s why we need your help.
“Since I found FAMM, hope came into my life.”
— Vanessa Rojas
or text JOIN to 40419
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Stay Connected with the FAMMgram
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2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Advancing second chances. Strengthening oversight. Walking together as a FAMMily.
You’re the best advocate your loved one has.
Join our next FAMMily Zoom to learn powerful ways to include your incarcerated loved one’s voice in policy advocacy and help lawmakers hear directly from people most affected by injustice.
“I was a hopeless addict, is kind of how I saw myself. I thought I was going to die with a needle in my arm. Just never give up hope, never give up hope on somebody. People change. They really do.”
Vanessa Rojas
FAMM community member
SECOND CHANCES
Learn about Matthew Garcia and the need for second chances
The first time I met Matthew Garcia, currently serving a life sentence at the Pennsylvania DOC, FAMM was visiting ‘Little Scandinavia,’ a unit at SCI Chester modeling a more humane, rehab-focused approach to incarceration. When I asked people to share their experiences, Matthew stayed quiet, shifting toward each speaker, shoulders slouched, head slightly raised.
“These men here with me changed my life. I was lost when I came here. I felt like I had nothing and no one to guide me.”
VICTORY IN THE STATES
Victory in the States
Our state legislative work helped pass a prison conditions bill in Alabama, improve compassionate release in North Carolina, defeat mandatory minimum bills in Pennsylvania, eliminate unjust sentencing disparities in Arizona, Maine, Missouri, Virginia, and much, much more.
State laws drive incarceration. Join us in the states we’re working to push for real, lasting reform.
Change can’t happen without you.
From signing petitions to emailing lawmakers, here are just a few of the ways you can make a difference:
Urge your lawmakers to improve your state’s compassionate release laws, so that incarcerated elderly and ill people can return home with dignity.
Tell your lawmakers to recognize people’s capacity to change, and their potential to contribute positively to our communities.
Tell your state lawmakers to oppose mandatory minimum sentences — and reform or get rid of the ones in place.
Raise awareness on social media! DM or @ your lawmakers, or help us promote FAMM events and initiatives to your social networks. Every little bit helps.
Extreme Sentences. Real People.
Matthew Garcia
Joshua Hairston
AnDreco Lott
LATEST NEWS
Media & News
Read the latest news, view people’s stories, and learn how you can help our ongoing efforts.
- Sen. Mike Lee Says Federal Prison Hung Up on Him When He Tried To Check on Inmate — April 17, 2026
- Mandatory life sentences for second-degree murder are unconstitutional, Pa. Supreme Court rules — April 13, 2026
- Pennsylvania Supreme Court Overturns Life Without Parole for Second Degree Murder — April 13, 2026
- Katrina Baugh: Even a gridlocked Congress passed prison oversight. Why can’t Illinois do the same? — April 3, 2026
- New Louisiana bill would expand temporary medical release for dying inmates — March 17, 2026
- Louisiana could let dying inmates out sooner under bill backed by prisons chief, bishops — March 17, 2026
- Documentary on Alabama prisons in the running for an Oscar — February 28, 2026
- From Juvenile Lifer to Justice Advocate: Bryan Widenhouse — February 28, 2026
- Lawsuit Alleges New York Holds Juveniles in Solitary Cells Without Toilets — February 28, 2026
- New Law Requires Prison-Based Hospice, Palliative Care Data Reports — February 28, 2026