Barbara Allan is a pioneering force in justice reform and the founder of Prison Families Anonymous—widely believed to be the first prison family support group in the U.S. A former schoolteacher, her advocacy began in 1968 after her husband’s incarceration. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, Barbara found solidarity with two other women in a prison waiting room. Together, they built a movement.
Biography
Barbara Allan is a pioneering force in justice reform and the founder of Prison Families Anonymous—widely believed to be the first prison family support group in the U.S. A former schoolteacher, her advocacy began in 1968 after her husband’s incarceration. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed, Barbara found solidarity with two other women in a prison waiting room. Together, they built a movement.
For over 50 years, Barbara has remained at the helm of Prison Families Anonymous, helping countless families navigate the emotional and systemic toll of incarceration. A tireless advocate in New York, she has served on reentry task forces and the Suffolk County Criminal Justice Council and sat on the board of the New York Alternatives to the Death Penalty (NYADP) they were able to disband when NY eliminated the death penalty. Her dedication earned her the Public Citizen of the Year Award in New York.
Barbara has supported the conference since its second year, calling it her “extended family.”
Currently, Barbara is the cofounder of Prison Families Alliance, author, speaker and family advocate.