About Us
Bending the Bars Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2021 becoming 501(c)(3) exempt on November 11, 2024. We are based out of Richmond, VA and specialize in criminal justice and prison reform advocacy. We also assist incarcerated individuals with obtaining early release along with supporting their loved ones. Lastly, we propose and advocate for legislation aligned with our mission.
Our mission is to bring awareness about mass incarceration, school to prison pipeline, inhumane prison conditions, excessive usage of solitaire confinement, wrongful convictions, youthful offenders, re-entry, mental health, education, victim - accuser healing, effects on loved ones, wages, cost of living, excessive sentencing and lack of knowledge amongst unaffected communities, individuals and bodies of government.
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We intend to make a noticeable impact on all the above areas over an indefinite period of time through community outreach events, general assembly presence, DOC facility volunteering, school engagement events, after school activities, parenting classes and resources, legal assistance, networking, social media and church involvement. To be successful regarding all the above efforts, WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT! We encourage you to explore our page and determine which areas you or your organization could partner during this journey either through monetary donations, volunteering, event planning, etc.
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Respectfully,
The Board
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Our Mission
We will provide support to incarcerated individuals through education, programs, legal assitance, and motivational methods to promote good behavior and development. We will provide support to their loved ones through education, legal assistance, community events and programs to provide methods of advocating and coping skills. We will act as a peaceful advocate promoting the need to lessen mass incarceration through reviewing wrongful conviction cases, excessive sentencing and inadequate counsel. We will work with lawmakers in composing bills that will address the inhumane facility conditions, inadequate healthcare, unhealthy food options, wages and lack of education.
Our Vision
We strive to bring awareness about wrongful convictions, excessive
sentencing, inhumane living conditions, inadequate healthcare and Second Chance opportunities for incarcerated individuals along with victim - accuser healing techniques. We strive to bring awareness about mental health, advocating and daily support to love ones of incarcerated individuals.