Second Chances
Compassion Through Second Chances
Second Chance laws do more than rehabilitate people like Vanessa Rojas. They help people reconnect with their families and repair their communities.
MANDATORY MINIMUMS
Help Fight Unjust Sentences
Michael Giles is an Air Force veteran serving a mandatory 25-year sentence. Not even the judge could alter it. But together, we can — by fighting for sentencing reform.
End Mandatory Minimums in Your State!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Our Nation’s Prisons Are in Crisis
Staff shortages, poor healthcare, crumbling infrastructure, and other chronic problems have resulted in prisons that are unsafe to live and work in for incarcerated people and correctional staff alike.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Half of Us – Shocking, but True
1 in 2 of U.S. adults have had a family member incarcerated.
Only together can we create a more fair and effective justice system.
OUR MISSION
A more fair and effective justice system — for everyone.
Creating a more fair and effective justice system that respects our American values of individual accountability and dignity while keeping our communities safe.
This is our mission. And as this video shows, our work is making an impact. That’s why we need your help.
or text JOIN to 40419
“Since I found FAMM, hope came into my life.”
2025 ANNUAL REPORT
Advancing Second Chances
Strengthening oversight. Walking together as a FAMMily.
You’re the best advocate your loved one has.
Join our next FAMMily Zoom to learn powerful ways to include your incarcerated loved one’s voice in policy advocacy and help lawmakers hear directly form people most affected by injustice.
“These men here with me changed my life. I was lost when I came here. I felt like I had nothing and no one to guide me.”
Matthew Garcia, FAMM advocate
“I was a hopeless addict, is kind of how I saw myself. I thought I was going to die with a needle in my arm. Just never give up hope, never give up hope on somebody. People change. They really do.”
Vanessa Rojas, FAMM Community Member
SECOND CHANCES
Learn about Matthew Garcia and the need for second chances
The first time I met Matthew Garcia, currently serving a life sentence at the Pennsylvania DOC, FAMM was visiting ‘Little Scandinavia,’ a unit at SCI Chester modeling a more humane, rehab-focused approach to incarceration. When I asked people to share their experiences, Matthew stayed quiet, shifting toward each speaker, shoulders slouched, head slightly raised.
“These men here with me changed my life. I was lost when I came here. I felt like I had nothing and no one to guide me.”
Stay Connected with the FAMMgram
Would your incarcerated loved one like to receive our quarterly print newsletter, the FAMMgram?
Media & News
Read the latest news, view people’s stories, and learn how you can help our ongoing efforts.
Victory in the States
Our state legislative work helped pass a prison conditions bill in Alabama, improve compassionate release in North Carolina, defeat mandatory minimum bills in Pennsylvania, eliminate unjust sentencing disparities in Arizona, Maine, Missouri, Virginia, and much, much more.
State laws drive incarceration. Join us in the states we’re working to push for real, lasting reform.
Change can’t happen without you.
From signing petitions to emailing lawmakers, here are just a few of the ways you can make a difference:
Urge your lawmakers to improve your state’s compassionate release laws, so that incarcerated elderly and ill people can return home with dignity.
Tell your lawmakers to recognize people’s capacity to change, and their potential to contribute positively to our communities.
Tell your state lawmakers to oppose mandatory minimum sentences — and reform or get rid of the ones in place.
Raise awareness on social media! DM or @ your lawmakers, or help us promote FAMM events and initiatives to your social networks. Every little bit helps.
Extreme Sentences. Real People.
