why family?
When a loved-one is incarcerated, they leave behind loved ones who face significant challenges as a result. AFOI believes the family unit deserves support during these significant times.
*We believe incarcerated adults and juveniles, and their families, are underserved and are worthy of assistance, respect, and compassion.
*We seek to reduce recidivism by maintaining positive family relationships during incarceration, thereby enhancing public safety.
current offerings
family
support groups
These are monthly open forum support groups for anyone that have a loved one who is incarcerated. Click for more information and to register.
family
seminar series
Starting April 2023, the Family Seminar Series will be presentations and trainings on topics relevant to families and children impacted by incarceration. Visit the page to see upcoming seminars!
H.E.A.R.T.Y.
Health Encouragement and Assistance in Reentry for Thriving Youth (HEARTY) is a program designed by AFOI and the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) to address impediments to positive well-being and reduce risk factors for youth recently released back into our community. Click for more information.
"Focus on what ties you together and
your family can never fall apart."
-Anonymous
pilot program
family reunification house
As part of our work in expanding family services, AFOI has embarked on an exciting new project in partnership with the Department of Corrections - a Family Reunification House has been opened on the campus of the Virginia Correctional Center for Women (VCCW) in Goochland. The house, designed, installed and staged by AFOI using principles of trauma-informed design, will provide a healing and soothing space for incarcerated mothers to spend quality time with their children, prior to their release. These mothers will have the opportunity to spend the whole day with their children, facilitated by trained staff, where they will bond and connect through cooking, reading and playing games. Additionally, these children and their mothers will be the first group to experience the virtual Milk and Cookies Children's Program! The Family Reunification House officially opened on November 2, 2022. A huge amount of gratitude and thanks to the Art4Giving Foundation, Lyn & Ross Ulbricht. Art4Giving was established by the Ulbrichts to support causes and projects that make a real difference in people’s lives, one idea to which they are committed is helping children to visit their parents in prison.
Thank you, Art4Giving!
family support groups
AFOI is pleased to begin offering Family Support Groups, a virtual, open forum-style group for adults who are impacted by the incarceration of a loved one. Led by a social worker and peer facilitator, these groups are designed to be a place of regular support.
DATE/TIMES: Family Support Groups will be held on the second Wednesday of every month. The groups will take place from 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM.
LOCATION: Virtual, on Zoom. Register to get the Zoom link.
HOW TO REGISTER*: Click on the button below to fill out the registration form.
family seminar series
The Family Seminar Series offers ongoing, educational trainings/seminars/presentations on topics relevant to someone who has an incarcerated loved one. Based on the results of the Family Needs Survey and collecting ongoing feedback from families, these topics range from mental health/self-care to advocacy.
Wednesday, April 24 - Community Resources
Wednesday, July 24 - Self Care
Wednesday, October 23 - Reentry
support
our cause
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do this important work for those impacted by the incarceration of a loved one.
Each dollar donated helps us to provide programming that changes lives.
Thank you for believing in our mission.
