Dear friend,

When Cecilia Cardenas was in prison for a mandatory 10-year sentence on drug charges, she took as many classes as she could. She knew every shelf, table, and chair in the prison library. And when she got out after seven years — one of 11,000 people released to home confinement under the CARES Act — she got a factory job, went back to school, and started her own business.

Of those 11,000 people released, only 17 have recidivated. Criminal justice reform works. It makes our communities — like Cecilia's hometown in Iowa — stronger and safer. But you wouldn't know it from the alarmist headlines these days.

That's why FAMM started Free to Succeed, our monthly storytelling series. Last month, we launched four great stories, featuring returning citizens who are leading productive and fulfilling lives, strengthening their families and communities. From day one, FAMM has been using stories to drown out those headlines — and it still works!

Last week, Cecilia was asked to testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee about her experiences and why oversight is needed so desperately. She and her mom flew to D.C. for the very first time, and her statement made a big impact on everyone, including Sen. Cory Booker. The timing was perfect; the day before Cecilia's testimony marked the introduction of the bipartisan Federal Prison Oversight Act, which would establish independent oversight of the nation's 122 federal prisons.

Check out Cecilia's story here, and stay tuned for more FAMM Free to Succeed good-news stories.

Sincerely,

Ann Espuelas
Director of Family Outreach and Storytelling, FAMM