Why We Changed Our Name: From Prisoners’ Family Conference to Connecting 4 Justice International
When my mom founded the Prisoners’ Family Conference International over 17 years ago, it was grounded in her work as a social worker. She witnessed firsthand the profound—often invisible—impact of incarceration on the children she mentored and the families she supported both inside and outside prison walls.
The conference quickly became a brave and compassionate space—where families affected by incarceration could speak their truth, find support, and begin to heal. It was more than an event; it was a refuge. A place where pain was acknowledged, dignity was restored, and community was born.
Amplifing Voices for 15 Years
For over 15 years, the Prisoners’ Family Conference stood as a powerful and heartfelt gathering, amplifying the voices of those most directly impacted by the justice system. We built relationships. We confronted hard truths. We created space for healing. And we are proud of every single moment.
But as the movement grew, so did the mission.
Ensuring Families
After my mom passed away and I stepped into the role of Chair, it became increasingly clear that our work had expanded. Families remain at the heart of what we do—and always will—but we’re also tackling the broader systems and structures that impact them. Our all-volunteer board rose to the occasion. Barbara Allan, a board member and a longtime friend of my mom, continues to ensure families remain central to our work. In many ways, she keeps my mom’s voice guiding us forward.
Our Mission Has Evolved
Our mission had evolved—to building systems that heal, not harm. To foster sustainable, community-driven solutions. To connect people, programs, and policies that lead to lasting, transformative justice.
So in 2024, we took a bold and necessary step forward. We changed our name to Connecting 4 Justice International.
What the New Name Represents
Connecting:
We’re not just telling stories—we’re building bridges. Between families and service providers. Between formerly incarcerated individuals and policymakers. Between corrections staff, faith leaders, educators, and advocates. Real change happens when we break down silos and come together in our shared humanity.
4 Justice:
Justice isn’t just what happens in courtrooms—it’s how we live together in community. We champion restorative justice, meaningful reentry pathways, healing-centered practices, and accountability that uplifts rather than punishes. We advocate for systems that serve everyone with fairness, compassion, and integrity.
International:
Our impact is growing. We’ve partnered with advocates in India, Uganda, the U.S., the U.K., and beyond. While our roots are firmly planted in the United States, our vision is global—to elevate stories, solutions, and strategies that transcend borders and uphold human rights for all.
Still the Same Heart. A Bigger Vision.
Though our name has changed, our core values remain. We are still deeply committed to:
A Movement, Not Just a Conference
Connecting 4 Justice International is more than an annual gathering—it’s a movement. Or as we like to say, “It’s like a family reunion—where you actually like your family.”
It’s how we show up—in person, online, in policy conversations, in correctional facilities, and in our communities. It’s how we support leaders on all sides of the justice system—those seeking change and those already making it.
We are now hosting Community Conversation events across the country, with the goal of connecting people from a 360-degree perspective to spark meaningful change in their own communities. This year, we’ve held events in Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Portland, Oregon. As we continue to grow, our vision is to keep building bridges—bringing people together to create lasting impact right where they live. We invite you to grow with us.
