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December 22, 2006
Union Square Awards: Kym Clark- Prison Families Community Forum
Union Square Awards
2006 Awardee
Prison Families Community Forum
Kym Clark
Founder
founderpfcf@yahoo.com
www.stopthecontract.org
Prison Families Community Forum (PFCF), a New York City network of support, education and action for families affected by the incarceration of their loved ones. PFCF deals with challenges faced by members through a three-prong strategy of support, self-advocacy and community organizing. Members are primarily African American and Latina women whose experience provides the guiding voice for the organization.
PFCF convenes mutual support groups where members exchange experiences and teach each other about the criminal justice system. Free legal trainings and leadership development activities increase members’ knowledge so that they may effectively advocate for themselves and navigate the system on issues dealing with health, parole, transfer policy, and pro se representation. PFCF also assists with individual cases and makes legal and social services referrals. Gatherings and events such as potluck dinners, holiday parties and barbecues help build a supportive community.
PFCF engages in public education to raise awareness about families’ concerns and to organize for change of unjust policies. For example, as a partner in the “New York Campaign for Telephone Justice,” PFCF continues to challenge the New York State Department of Corrections’ contract with Verizon/MCI, which charges exorbitant telephone fees for calls from prisoners to their families.
http://www.unionsquareawards.org/v2/awardees/bio.asp?aID=159
Posted by lois at December 22, 2006 05:39 PM