Monthly Newsletter

Dear Members, Families, and Friends,

The 40 Strong extends our best to everyone and hope that you and

those you love are well.

It feels so good to be back! There’s no doubt that the last 3 months

have been challenging, but there is no life without challenges. It’s a

valiant thing to endure the challenges and draw strength and triumph

from them. Our General Assembly Day in January was a success. The

40 Strong team and families were able to speak to legislators about

Second Chances and Rehabilitation. Fair Parole, and so much more.

We are thankful to all the Delegates and Senators who have been so

warm and welcome to us for the past 3 years that we’ve done General

Assembly Day.

The 40 Strong family appreciates the families who show and use their

voices to help move the needle in reform. With that said, we’ve got an

info packed newsletter for you and much to bring you up to speed on.

Let’s Go!!

Governor’s Race

We should all know that this year’s

The Governor’s race will be very consequential to prison reform for the

next 10-20 years. The 40 Strong Organization does not take a stance

on presidential elections out of respect for our wide range and varied

membership. We do however speak and take a stance on local

elections that are crucial to Virginia Criminal Justice matters and

prison reform. WE MUST STAY AWARE OF WHAT’S AT STAKE!! Our

team will be reaching out to all candidates leading up to November

and keep our members fully aware of your best option for progress in

reform. PLEASE have your family and friends ready to speak with

the ballot this November.

The 40 Strong 4 Year Journey

As we embark on our 4-year anniversary on April 6th (40 Strong Day),

We are happy with all we’ve been able to accomplish but understand

that there’s so much more to do.

We remember all of the events and the families that came out to

support. All the heartwarming emails of success from you the

members, and even the challenges to create change. We are proud of

starting the Virginia DOC voting block and educating many across

Virginia on the value of their vote. We’ve highlighted our members in

two poetry books as well as at George Mason University, Virginia

Tech, Southside Community College, and many other places. We’ve

spotlighted your stories on our website The 40 Strong.com, Facebook,

and on the news when cameras showed up to our events. We have

stood, spoke, and stepped for you! As we continue this work we will

continue to do it with the best interest of our members, their families,

and the reform communities as a whole. Thank you for being a part of

this journey and there’s more to do!

Thank You Kirsten

On behalf of the organization and all of our members we would like to

say a special thank you to Kirsten Knights for all of her hard work and

dedication to The 40 Strong. We are leaving the door open always for

Kirsten to return as she pursues other interests at this time. We all can

say without a shadow of a doubt that the organization is better from

the love and diligence that Kirsten poured into it.

Grants and Loans for Felons

As you all know we are constantly looking for ways to educate our

members and put them in the best position for a successful re-entry.

One of the areas that we hear often is funding for a business, starting

new, etc... Here’s info that may help you moving forward.

Grants.Gov--- provides info on over 28,000 grants that may assist you

in business, housing, etc...

Inmates To Entrepreneurs.com ---helps with funding that great idea or

vision that you have budding inside of you.

Newtek.com ---- helps with business loans for felons.

HelpforFelons.com---- provides grants and loans for felons to kick of

your business idea and get the ball rolling to your financial freedom.

Please do your own research as well, because the ultimate goal is to

create financial security without breaking the law. The more you know

the better you can grow!!!

40 Strong Tutor and Mentor Initiative

We have GREAT news to announce! We will be offering tutors and

mentors to help you and your child in the near future. This has been a

vision that Free has had for a while now and we are starting the

process. We will be partnering with colleges to provide tutors via

phone calls and facetime to assist your child with schoolwork and

broader education. We will also be looking to partner with counselors

and others to become mentors to bridge the gap with your situation

and your children. We believe that this is a great opportunity not just

for your child, but also for college students to gain perspective on the

parent-child challenges brought on by incarceration.

United Front

We are excited to announce our partnership with Hear Her Voice and the Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign in our mentorship program. Hear Her Voice has developed a unique mentorship initiative that connects their mentorship program directly with their re-entry program. This program not only provides mentorship to the youth but also closes the gap between the youth and their incarcerated loved ones. Additionally, it offers valuable education about prison conditions and the realities of life behind bars, ensuring that the youth gain a better understanding of what their parents are experiencing.

The Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign has organized a College Student Congress that unites radical students advocating for political prisoners and prison activist. These students will engage in outreach efforts and provide education to our youth.

If you would like any additional information on Hear her Voice or Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign, please have your loved ones visit Shakashakur.org and hearhervoice.blog.

Volunteers Needed

We are currently looking for volunteers that can assist a few hours a

week with answering Jpay requests, sending out the newsletter, and

assisting with upcoming initiatives. If you have family members or

friends who could help push the organization further, please let us

know. We have truly been blessed to have so many great people

these past 4 years to chip in and make this thing work. It’s definitely

not easy and any help is appreciated. If you know someone who could

give even an hour of their time, PLEASE let us know.

40 Newsletter Sponsors Needed!!!!

As you all know, we’ve never been an organization to ask for help. We

have proudly carried the expenses from day one and that has been

strenuous over the past 4 years.

Even currently covering 3,000 stamps per

month = + 200 response emails stamps=$800

A month is a responsibility. We estimate that we’ve spent nearly 27k in

stamps alone over the past 4 years not counting events, giveaways,

General Assembly Days etc... So, we are asking our members to chip

in as much as possible. Please become a newsletter sponsor and

receive a limited edition 40 Strong General Assembly Day shirt for a

loved one. Please send donations to

The 40 Strong P.O. Box 6731

Chesapeake, Va 22323

General Assembly Wrap up; 2025

We all know there weren’t any big second chance bills, but there were

a few important measures introduced. Those measures did pass and

are now awaiting the Governor’s signature to be passed into law. Here

are a few....

HB2555 Delegate Rozia Henson seeks to reduce/modify felony

sentences for possession, manufacturing, distribution etc...

prior to July 1, 2021

HB1759 Debra Garoner seeks to help re-entry and probationers with

job searches and jobs

HB 1559 Wren Williams seeks to improve parole possibilities and

structure

HB 1894 Holly Seibold seeks to help cell conditions and temperatures

in cell in summer.

These are a few to look out for, but we will keep you posted as the

governor makes his decision on the legislation. We all remember the

governor vetoing 20+ bills last year so we will see.

DOC in talks about phone on players

Per the Coalition for Justice, Virginia DOC is currently in talks with

Jpay and GTL about possibly adding phone capabilities to the tablets.

This is not confirmed yet, but it sounds like a good possibility. We all

know the issues the phones have brought due to limited amounts in

pods of 80-90 people. Let’s hope this goes through which would

provide much relief to many.

Accountability and Growth

Over the course of this past 25 years, I’ve watched my own growth

from up close. I can remember the first day I hit Wallens Ridge back in

2003. I was angry, frustrated, and dealing with so much. I had spent

the last 3 years going to court from D.C., Arlington, Alexandria, etc...

I had 4 kids that I left as well as my mother, baby mother, and family. I

had no plan that first few years because I could not see beyond the

inside of that mountain. To be honest with you I almost gave up hope

and wanted to do everything that could keep me here. It was not until

I took all that pain and turned it into MOTIVATION!

If anyone says prison is easy, THEY ARE A DAMN LIE! You are

literally dealing with 80+ personalities daily, as well as officers who

can frustrate you with how they talk and their demeanor. However,

YOUR SENTENCE IS YOUR SENTENCE! How soon YOU get home

to your family is up to YOU!! I sometimes hear dudes say “write it up-

I don’t have any good time anyway!” Then I wonder if they had 25

years in would those days mean more to them.

To truth of the matter is, the older you get the more those days matter.

DO NOT TAKE DAYS OF YOUR LIFE FOR GRANTED!

Over these past 25 years I’ve tried to protect my days, but at times

made mistakes. I am telling anyone who will listen to protect your

days. Of course, we are only human but try to do your best. Get the

education and information you need to get better. Prepare yourself for

success and greatness. Time is the one thing that we can never get

back---DO NOT TAKE IT LIGHTLY! Because in the blink of an eye you

can look back and 25 years will be gone. Keep Pushing!

40 Re-entry Plans for the Future

When we fought last year to reinstate the ESC good time, we knew

that jobs would be essential to the success of returning home.

Once we got the victory, we comprised a re-entry jobs and resource

list and placed them on our website THE40STRONG.COM last July.

We then executed a plan to buy two trucks and begin hiring returning

citizens to work. The plan was great however, a few hiccups have

arisen in the truck department. We are now expecting it to be rolling in

next month hopefully... The moral of the story is, DO NOT GET

DISCOURAGED when things don’t go exactly as according to plans.

KEEP FIGHTING!! So, our plan now for once we are rolling, is to raise

capital and begin acquiring homes and property to fix up. That’s were

our members will come into play. We have a vision to hire our

members when released and put ALL those skills (painting dry wall,

hvac, masonry, etc...) to use. Here’s the catch though; we don’t want

to just hire you and use you for our benefit----NO! we want to hire you

and give you the financial training and resources needed for you to

become your own business! We want to give you credit building skills,

how to save tips, and everything else to make you successful. Yes,

this will take some work as we are in the beginning stages, BUT DO

NOT BET AGAINST US! More on this in upcoming newsletters.

Mother’s Day Giveaway

As you all know, we love to surprise your mothers with gifts every

Mother’s Day. His year is no different. Please send us your 300 words

or less emails on why your mom deserves to be a winner in our

Mother’s Day Giveaway. We’ve typically picked 10 moms a year, but

we are working to pick even more this year. We don’t believe we can

be an organization for YOU without giving back!

Manhood Moment

If you wanna go home, then your actions should show that. No time should be wasted, you should be constantly sharpening up your mind. A moment to learn is an investment in your future. STOP CRASHING!!! If you love your significant other LEAD BY EXAMPLE.

Challenge them to bring up their credit score, improve their health, and get in a better position. If we're talking-- let's talk about something. We will be providing assistance to start your business NOW in the near future.

Why are you waiting for release to put the plan in motion? Manhood starts with

 #1 Accountability 

#2 Responsibility 

#3 Dependability

Make Your Time Count!

 In Closing.....

We ask that everyone be patient with our response time and action

results for the near future. We are currently getting people in crucial

positions, and it may take some time.

We are also in a transition period with the newsletter as well. Although

we would love to continue the monthly schedule, that may be difficult

until things are moving on the business side. Hopefully we’ll receive

enough donations to meet us halfway until we get the ball rolling

again. Oh, before I forget, heard some good news about a re-entry

organization called Re-Entry Coaching (RECA) Academy and here’s

their website for your family to check out: Fromprisoncellstophd.org

We are hearing they do great work with returning citizens and had to

pass that off.

PLEASE stay inspired and don’t worry about how it looks. YOU

control your future and what it looks like. Until next time I stay 40 Strong!

Free 40 Strong Founder

Nairobi X 40 Strong Cofounder 

The40strong.com

Thenew40strong@gmail.com

40mentorship@gmail.com

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

Happy Holidays 40 Strong Members, loved ones, passionate advocates, and the broader community.

Please accept our apologies for the delay in this month's newsletter. We wanted to make sure we finalized the year with a meaningful, educational, and informative newsletter that answered some frequently asked questions, and provided an opportunity for you all to engage and reflect over the holiday period. Firstly, I want to note the remarkable strength and resilience I have seen from our growing membership this year, and as we close off the year of 2024, I wanted to reflect on some points that stand out for me as a proud member of the team. We had our first members edition newsletter this year, which was incredibly well received both behind and beyond the walls. We had advocacy wins in terms of Wallens Ridge, Red Onion, and most recently River North - with the collection and feedback of important issues and areas of concern highlighted to legislative decision makers and stakeholders. We have seen members within facilities band together in times of need, offering peer to peer mentorship, advocacy, and communication, furthering togetherness and a sense of community. It brings me incredible joy to be part of something so powerful, meaningful, and focused. Whether it be the publishing of books, ideas to design and improve programs, the graduation of our members in their chosen educational pursuits, or the implementation and growth of the PRS program - it is an absolute pleasure to be able to read and share your successes. Please take the time to reconnect with yourselves and your loved ones this holiday period, be kind to yourselves - never stop the fight. Especially throughout this time, you are in our thoughts always. 

Kirsten

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Free Speaks

As we close out the year, there is much to be optimistic about. We witnessed the 2024 General Assembly pass dozens of criminal reform bills. Although the majority were vetoed by Governor Youngkin, we believe that the future looks bright. We also witnessed thousands more released through ESC from July 1st to now. We witnessed our members of 40 Strong do extraordinary things behind the fence as well as after being released. We have countless members in society starting non profits, helping their communities, and giving back. So, we all should know that the 40 Strong is growing and doing remarkable things inside and out. We've already started 40 Strong Trucking, and we are looking to open the first 40 Strong Outreach Center in 2025. What started out with just 40 members, is now in the thousands and stands as one of the most respected advocacy organizations in America. We cannot be satisfied. This month, we are sending newsletters to half of our members. We want YOU to reach out to those around you - your cell partner, your wife, your mom, the guy that goes to school with you, share the newsletter on your player. We want you to be involved with mentorship in your pod, at your facility - talk to a young guy you may not talk to or speak to one of the elders. The 40 Strong is not just here to provide newsletters and answers calls on a whim. We want our members to be better and to be great. This month, we are challenging the first half of our members to get out, speak to your counselors, anyone in your pod and let them read what the newsletter is about. Can you have a copy printed and posted in the library, law library, the notice board? Can you create a group to discuss the points in our newsletter in a community setting in the pod at rec? We will be seeing who can get the most new members per facility signed up, and we will be looking at giving out prizes. 

General Assembly - January 2025

This year there are no major bills coming up at the General Assembly session that we have been made aware of yet. We have been divided on whether we should or shouldn't host a lobby day at the legislative session in January. The good news is, we are having a lobby day - January Thursday 23rd - please put it on your calendar - from 8am to 3pm. Please let your families know. We will be there, talking to delegates and senators - and we will be addressing 3 issues. These will include: second chances & rehabilitation needs, parole and re-entry, conditions (medical, education, food, wages etc). Please educate your loved ones as to the reality of your struggles and allow them to be your voice! The last 2 years our lobby days have been phenomenal - the families have been able to come in, and the delegates and senators are receptive and want to listen! Have your loved ones reach out to us for more information. Do not forget - 2025 will be the most important Governor election in the last 30 - 40 years in terms of criminal justice reform. 

Be on point. Be better, be great.

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HB45 UPDATE – Per Member Request

We have received many inquiries as to HB45 that was presented in the 2024 legislative session. This piece of legislation would provide earned sentence credits prior to entry of final conviction order (time held in jail custody). The text does read as though the bill has already been enacted in law, with presumptuous text used to ensure the bill would be ready to legislate. However, on March 26th, 2024, the bill was signed by the speaker, signalling agreement from the general assembly. However, Governor Youngkin vetoed this bill. This veto means that HB45 will not go into effect July 1st, 2025. While the bill showed promise, we now wait on future legislative action. We will provide updates on any potential reintroductions or changes 2025 and beyond.

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40 STRONG LIVE 

We’re excited to announce our next Facebook Live event, happening on December 21st at 7:30 PM EST. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on three incredible individuals: incarceration survivor Jesse Carreker, passionate advocate Kevin Jeans, and valued member Vega Moore. They’ll be sharing their unique stories and insights, contributing to our ongoing mission to amplify the voices of our members and the wider community. 

As always, our monthly Facebook Live events are a chance to hear directly from those who have been impacted by the system and are actively working toward positive change. Whether it’s personal journeys through redemption, experiences with parole or sentencing, or the creation of impactful programs—these conversations provide valuable perspectives that foster understanding and inspire action.

Interested in being interviewed? We’re always looking to feature more voices from our community! If you have a story to share—whether it’s about your own experiences or significant work you’ve been part of—we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us to get involved, and let’s keep the conversation going.

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E. Washington – Deerfield – Helpful Research Information

I would like to share some knowledge on looking up cases. Some may not know this: In Lexis' opening page you can find out new cases that are filed by going to primary law cases. Click on any one of the courts and open it up then look at advanced search then click on the little picture you will see newest court cases.

Thomas,263 va. 216 (2002) click on other citings sources go to (treatises 24) you roll, and you will find Va. Criminal BenchBook for Judges and lawyers. Va. Criminal Law Case Finder. Now if you do this every other case you look up you will find many shortcuts to finding research.

Jenkins,2014 Va. App. Lexis8 you will find Va. Evidence for the trial Lawyer.

Jefferson, 298 Va. 473(2020) Va. Civil Benchbook for Judges and Lawyers; Criminal Defenses Techniques.

I pray this will help some guys to research a little better. Remember in during assignment of error you use the words RULING and FINDING; The trial court erred in ruling order entry on go from there.

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It is Possible – R Briscoe – Keen Mountain

In my mind’s eye it is our fate, that we should become great,

to wipe clean the slate, and use our minds to concentrate,

on things that help us motivate, and from evil thinking let us separate,

lets learn to effectively communicate, on things of the mind that can stimulate,

our inner genius which we can illuminate, to create wealth of the mind that we can forever generate,

but we should never tolerate, those of us who'd try to intoxicate,

the beautiful minds to whom we'd gravitate, and appreciate,

because we can go from being an inmate, to a person whom the whole world can congratulate.

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Education Update with Kirsten

The Henry George Institute is incorporated as a non-profit organization in NY State. Founded in 1971, it is a membership organization supported by dues and contributions. In the belief that the philosophy of Henry George has important answers to today’s urgent problems, the institute is established to promote this philosophy by educational means. 

The Institute offers courses via the Internet and regular mail. Their three-course series in Principles of Political Economy includes Understanding Economics, Applied Economics: Globalization and Trade and Economic Science. These courses may be taken separately but together they provide a comprehensive overview of basic economic theory and issues. 

Ask your loved ones to head to https://henrygeorge.org/bob/the-henry-george-institute-2/ to register.

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BENDING THE BARS UPDATE

WE HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY APPROVED TO VOLUNTEER WITHIN ALL DOC FACILITIES!! BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PROGRAMS, INCENTIVES and POSITIVE ENERGY. We have been blessed to partner with the Professor at Washington & Lee University School of Law to be able to directly send referrals to receive FREE advocacy regarding VA parole assistance. The applicant will receive (1) personal student advocate (2) parole packet and (3) representation in a family/friend hearing. 

If you qualify per the below criteria, please respond providing your name and state number to be forwarded. **Parole hearing is held in the 1st or 2nd quarter **No one is currently assisting you **5 yrs infraction free **Has taken offered programs **Retained employment at least 5 yrs (if offered)

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Holiday Season Support for Our Incarcerated Loved Ones

The holiday season can be an incredibly difficult time for those who are incarcerated and for their families. While many of us gather with loved ones to celebrate, the absence of those behind bars often leaves a deep emotional void. We understand that this time of year can bring up feelings of isolation, sadness, and even anxiety, and we want to acknowledge the challenges that our incarcerated loved one’s face during this season.

For those who are incarcerated, it’s important to find ways to manage mental health and stay resilient despite the emotional weight of the holidays. Here are some strategies that can help maintain well-being during this challenging time:

1. Stay Connected

Even though physical visits may be limited or restricted, staying connected with family and friends through letters, phone calls, or video visits can provide essential emotional support. Engaging with loved ones regularly can help reduce feelings of isolation and remind you that you are not forgotten.

2. Practice Self-Reflection

The holiday season is a time for reflection and taking a moment to acknowledge progress and growth can be empowering. Writing in a journal about hopes, goals, and positive experiences can help you stay grounded and focused on the future. It’s also an opportunity to express gratitude, even for the small things, which can shift focus from what is missing to what remains.

3. Participate in Group Activities or Programs

Many facilities offer group programs, including holiday events, support groups, or educational classes. Participating in these programs can provide a sense of community and structure, helping you feel connected to others and engaged with meaningful activities. If your facility does not offer these, consider running something yourselves amongst your peer groups to promote togetherness.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can be effective tools for managing stress and anxiety. Even in a confined space, focusing on breathwork, practicing guided meditation, or simply staying present in the moment can help reduce overwhelming feelings. 

5. Set Small, Achievable Goals

The holidays can feel like a time of high expectations, but it’s important to set manageable goals for personal well-being. This might be as simple as reading a book, exercising, or learning something new. Achieving small, positive milestones can provide a sense of accomplishment and improve mood.

6. Stay Active

Physical activity, whether it’s exercise, walking, or participating in a recreational activity, can significantly improve mental health. Staying active helps release endorphins, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Encouraging movement in whatever form possible can be a powerful tool during the holiday season.

7. Reach Out for Support

If feelings of loneliness or depression become overwhelming, seeking support through counselling services, religious groups, or trusted individuals can make a significant difference. 

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Riddle Me This

Pearl white chest without key or lid. Inside of which, a golden treasure is hid. What am I?

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New Blog Series: Mass Incarceration 101 with El P

We are excited to announce a powerful new blog series, Mass Incarceration 101, featuring El P, an incarcerated individual with over 20 years of firsthand experience in the system. Having been housed in seven different facilities and wrongfully convicted of first-degree homicide—resulting in a life sentence without the possibility of parole—El P has battled against an unjust system with resilience and determination. He’s spent his time not only challenging his wrongful conviction but also fighting to improve conditions for himself and others while always doing time responsibly.

In this new series, El P will share his unique insights on attacking a sentence, challenging the conditions of confinement, and navigating the complexities of the prison system. His story is one of hope, resilience, and a belief that freedom is not just a physical state, but a mindset. The first post will go live on Monday, December 23rd, so be sure to mark your calendars!

How You Can Get Involved:

Have your families subscribe today to receive updates directly to their inbox. By subscribing, you’ll be able to stay up to date with El P's latest posts and ensure you never miss an entry - this can be found on the landing page at www.the40strong.com

Consider having your loved ones mail you the blogs as they are published, so you can stay informed and engaged in the conversation.

If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts about the content El P shares, please reach out to us. We’d love to gather feedback and foster a community discussion around these important topics. This blog series is an opportunity to dive deeper into the realities of mass incarceration through the eyes of someone who has lived it. El P’s voice is one of profound experience, and we believe his insights will resonate with many who are directly or indirectly affected by the criminal justice system.

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Book Publishing

Locked-N is proudly led by Cécile and Evan McNair, passionate entrepreneurs dedicated to empowering incarcerated individuals and their families. Evan has been locked up in Virginia for 12 years, living the real struggles of the prison system every single day. This experience gives him a unique understanding of what it takes to fight for your rights and share your story. Alongside him, his wife, Cécile, runs the company from the outside, managing publishing services and providing legal assistance. As a mother, business owner, and advocate, Cécile knows the importance of family, support, and resilience. She’s committed to providing top-notch services that make a real difference, helping individuals navigate legal challenges and share their stories with the world. Locked-N are committed to empowering those behind the walls. Please respond if you are interested or have your loved one's head to www.locked-n.com.

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Legal & Litigation Advice - Keith L. Hill, Director of Litigation

For the next several weeks I will be doing a deep dive into the Fishback decision to see if a "due process of law" claim can be maintained under Article 1, Section 11 of the Virginia Constitution. In 2018, there were some skeptics in the legal community who were under the impression that the clause had been interpreted in Virginia courts in the civil context rather than criminal. Since 2018, I have found several decided cases where the clause has been interpreted in the criminal context, however, further research is warranted. I will also be researching the prospect of determining if an inmate can be defined as an "employee" under Virginia Code 40.1-2 for the purpose of being paid under the Virginia Minimum Wage Act (VMWA), Virginia Code 40.1-28.10. This will be a monumental undertaking designed to bring the Commonwealth financially on its knees. Community, have your family members reach out to me because I am going to need some Google assistance in researching these issues. Help me to help you.

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Virginia Lawmakers Want to Know Why 6 Inmates Have Burned Themselves - Courtesy of UptoDate Inside Virginia

The state’s top prison official criticized reports that the self-burnings at Red Onion State Prison, which has had a history of complaints, were in protest of poor conditions. Chadwick Dotson, director of the Virginia Department of Corrections, denied that Red Onion State Prison inmates who had burned themselves had done so to protest conditions there.

At least six inmates at a Virginia prison burned themselves using “improvised devices” in recent months, prompting renewed concerns about conditions for incarcerated people there and a call by some state lawmakers for an independent investigation. Chadwick Dotson, the director of the Virginia Department of Corrections, criticized reports that said the burnings had been in protest of poor conditions at the facility, Red Onion State Prison, in Wise County, Va.

Mr. Dotson said in a statement on Wednesday that the inmates had burned themselves using “improvised devices” that were made by tampering with electrical outlets. The inmates did not set themselves on fire or immolate themselves, he added. He did not elaborate on the improvised devices they used. Some inmates were treated for burns at a hospital, he said, and others did not need outside medical treatment. “All six inmates have been referred to mental health staff for treatment, and it should be noted that several of these inmates have a history of engaging in self-harm,” he said.

Mr. Dotson issued the statement after the burnings were covered in news reports, including by Radio IQ, a Virginia public radio station, and addressed by human rights groups and politicians. Prison Radio, which broadcasts dispatches by incarcerated people, brought attention to the cases in October.

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Visitation

Do you or your family have stories to share about visitation?  We would like to know about your experiences so we can pinpoint areas that need improvement.

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UpToDate

UpToDate Inside Virginia focuses on providing timely legislative updates to people currently incarcerated. We are looking for News Facilitators who are willing to receive our updates via mail and share them with others in your pod. If you are interested, please let The 40 Strong know to pass your information along to us!

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Special thanks this month to our newsletter and growing advocacy team - Jessica, Rich, Harley, Nita, Sarah & Tawny. If your loved ones have the capacity to volunteer time or resources - please have them reach out to Kirsten or Chris on Facebook or email.

Kirsten, Chris & The Team

the40strong@gmail.com

The40Strong.com

@TheForty Strong FB

Tiktok - 40strongwave

                   Wednesday, November 6th, 2024

40 Strong Members & Families,
We want to give our gratitude to every one of you that gave us positive feedback on last months’ newsletter, and the superb topic submissions, poetry, and reflective pieces. We are restricted on space, so please note that all pieces will be published on our FB page @TheForty Strong throughout the month, future newsletters and to our website. Please encourage your loved ones to visit, like, share and comment. It broke us to only be able to include just a few of the pieces out of the over 100 sent in, but please know that we read, shared, and loved every single one of them, as did Virginia, the US and the world! We are so proud of each and every one of you and we will ensure your voices will continue to be heard.
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General Assembly Day and Governors Race
So we all know what January is right? Yes, The 40 Strong General Assembly Day is coming! The last 3 years, our General Assembly days have grown and grown. January will be no different. PLEASE get your friends and family ready to come and step with us for CHANGE. The date will be announced in December's newsletter. We want our members to be the voices of the day, LITERALLY. More info on that and our voting block choosing the new Governor next month.
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Keith L. Hill - 40S Director of Litigation
You cannot be overly anxious when filing post-trial motions with the court. Sure, you may have compelling issue(s) that deserve the court's attention--that is fine--but do not lose sight of procedural rules. Filing from within these shiny fences means you have to go the extra mile to make sure you stay on point by doing the following: know your issue(s); sit down with a law library clerk or paralegal as a sounding board and discuss your issue(s); be clear on the direction you want to take; make sure the prevailing caselaw or statutory law support your issue(s); keep your pleading short and to the point; do not just request the clerk to file your motion; make sure to prepare and mail a praecipe (request to the clerk to place your motion on the court's docket for a hearing); use your outside support system as your eyes and ears in keeping in touch with the clerk's office for you. You work the system; do not the system work you. If you encounter any questions or concerns, have TheForty Strong contact their Director of Litigation.
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Reflections from the Inside with Josh Horn
"Life is not about how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can GET HIT and KEEP MOVING FORWARD. That's how winning is done"! -Rocky Balboa- Can any of you relate to this? How many of you felt like I used to? Like you've been pounded your entire life but never won. It never stops. But that is when the bigger picture comes in to play. Every time you get back up it's a victory. Because you could stay down. Let life Buffalo you. Or, you can make it punch its self out! You may say life will never punch its self out. Well you may be correct.... in that case PUNCH BACK! If you're down, RISE. Start by getting to a knee. While you're on a knee, bite life in its leg. Then get to two knees and bite life on the other leg! In the situation of life, an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth is ACCEPTABLE and the only way to deal with life!!! If you choose no to go that route, then life will BEAT YOU TO YOUR KNEES and KEEP YOU THERE!!! IF YOU LET IT...Am I saying I have the answers to everything??? Not at all. Did I say it was gonna be easy? Nope. But nothing worth while COMES EASY! If it's easy, you probably stole it! And at the of the day there is no self pride in thievery!! Toughness ain't what you dish out, its what you can take! Keep on moving forward brother and sisters. Never stop getting up. Never stop growing and learning. And at the end of the day when life acts like a "mother", just look at it and say, " you're meaningless without the second part of that phrase"!!!! Hahaha. Just tell it " you be the mother, and I'll be the ******"! Its then that living with the punches life throws, begins to become harmonious and you'll become stronger, tougher and wiser. Before you know it you have RISEN and the punches life throws become irrelevant. And there is nothing better than going to sleep at night with ones self knowing, you gave it your all. EVERYDAY, and absolutely nothing can beat you down any longer. You know unequivocally, that you can make it! And you can have an absolute resolute mind. Defeatedness is no longer in your vernacular. JUST KEEP ON KEEPING ON.
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Second Look - M Morton - GV
There is an air of not only disappointment inside the VADOC but of hopelessness for those with life sentences or numerical life sentences under the new law. I have been incarcerated since 2001 with a sixty-one year sentence under the new law so I can speak from a unique perspective of a man with a (numerical) life sentence and no chance of relief except for a pardon or God forbid, geriatric parole. As far back as I can remember in my incarceration there has always been hope for those of us who fall into that life sentence category through the upcoming legislation each year when then "parole" bills were being presented to the General Assembly. This always caused a stir around the new year for those of us who have knowledge of how the VA General Assembly works bcuz we know there is a chance this is the year that it goes through. Then we have to be the "Grinch" when guys are spreading fake news that the parole bill passed and it is going into effect this July! I hated telling guys that the bill failed and what you may have read or your family may have read was the actual bill proposal which always reads as if it passed. If we are being honest with ourselves those parole bills never stood a chance but every year somebody kept proposing it. But even with this revolving door of chasing the hope of parole each session, year after year, it still gave us hope! Then going back a few years the EESC took the place of the hope for parole and guys put their emotional eggs into that basket. After a few years of heartbreak (and I mean literal heartbreak with the 2022 fiasco of Youngkin's budget amendment) that even went through and was put into effect this July but only for certain charges, excluding the more violent crimes, which if you have a life sentence, you probably have an ineligible charge. So then last year the new hope was the Second Look bill, I never saw so many incarcerated people join the fight with our "angels" on the outside, from writing letters to Congress people, to getting their families to write/email/call to support the bill. Even sending in videos through the 40strong and other organizations. The bill even passed a chamber of the general assembly which had all of us in the know so excited not only for that session but even when it got tabled we were 100% confident and committed that with another campaign like this year we could get those holdouts and obstructions to come along. And now we hear that the bill may/will not be presented this session, nor a parole bill just takes all the hope out of the VADOC! Those with life sentences for the first year that I can remember have NOTHING to hope for! This is egregious and it only sets back the minds of those who want to fight but now will potentially lose that drive and momentum from last year. Regardless of whether it will succeed, propose it and then you can see who is against it thus exposing them and giving us ammunition to go vote someone else in who will give it a chance. Shame on those who decided to tap out this session and remove the hope from the VADOC!
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Poetry - M Robinson - RO
If God is for me/what's the whole world against me?/They got me fenced in,/Deep meditation/My way of escaping/resisting temptation,/from ole habits I found comfort in/give me a moment,/to speak to the youth/
violence I don't condone it,/but I want you to shoot/shoot for the stars,/for there lies the truth/scars on my hands from giving flowers/Roses have thorns,/words have power/I spoke to god in a broken mirror/great man,/great dad,/great student,/Became a great Teacher/great listener,/success whisperer/I hear the pain in their laugh/never mind the soothsayers/they laid snares,/corrupt music in their eardrum/Sheila E. can make that purple rain/weather control,/
move the elements/think for a change!/If I could get you to think/Redemption is for the Redeemed,/Broken mirror half my image lost/Freedom isn't Free,/DISCHARGE ALL COST/#BottomGodVibes
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Education - M Theriault - LV
College courses are hard, which prompts every excuse in the book for not even attempting them. Well I graduated high school at the bottom quarter with a 2.2 GPA and just received my master’s in business administration with a 3.92 GPA. Here's how you can do this. First: plan to miss some rec, card games, and TV time. Dedicate a few hours EVERY day to study. Buy the textbook (used if possible) BEFORE the class starts and read ALL of it. Most homework comes from the questions at the end of chapters. so...do ALL of the questions before the class starts. This way you'll often have the homework done ahead of time and have looked harder at the concepts contained in the learning objectives. These are usually listed at the beginning of the chapter. If the objective says "student will be able to explain the terms of median, mode, and average", then there is often that same question at the end of the chapter AND on the test. Doing all the questions makes you study the stuff they write the test on. With this method I've finished classes in less than the 6-week time limit and my professors were forced to hold my final grade for a week before submitting it to the college. This is from the same "C" & "D" student in high school. Next, when you receive the course material, first look for the big assignment (usually at the end). Start looking for material you can use as reference. Read the newspapers & magazines in the library and take notes on the article with a correct reference. (Smith, J., Global Warming and its effects, Time Magazine, Jan. 2024). Check a citation guide (Usually MLA or APA style and available in the prison library) to learn how to cite your sources. This way when the big assignment comes up you have some sources lined up. If the college (like Adams State) offers a research library write and ask for material as soon as you can. Bonus points- check with DCE to type your homework. Spell & grammar check are lifesavers. Ask friends or family for newspaper or magazine subscriptions. Time, The Economist, Wired and any major newspaper will keep you supplied with current topics to work from. Buy a collegiate dictionary and a citation guide. The APA guide to citation teaches much more than citations and bibliography. If the professor writes a syllabus with good information, cite that too. If you have a conversation with the GED teacher, take notes and cite it. If you're writing about farming, cite your cellie who grew up on a farm. Cite the PBS program. Once you know what assignment you're working towards, stuff on that topic will stand out. College work is a skill you'll develop with use like basketball or chess. Remember, if you think you can do a thing, or you think you cannot do it, you're probably right.
I used my G.I. bill from the Navy and with 36 months of benefits, I've earned 3 degrees from prison with around $200 spent over 13 years from prison. (mostly stamps, pens, and paper). Bachelors in business and another in criminology/sociology, and an MBA. I'm not all that smart but diligence makes up for a lot and as an inmate I CAN afford the time to be diligent. So can you.
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Programming - E Howard - KM
So, I’ve been down about 14 years, and before that I had done about 4 years in DJJ. Throughout this, there has never been a time when I felt I could say the system was trying to help. My words have always been negative and disparaging when it comes to VA corrections in any form. Now, after years of hardships, blood, sweat and tears, I can finally say change has begun. Though things are far from 100% righteous or complete, there is hope. The new Director has essentially opened the door for us to help us. The system has recognized what we have for years - the people they bring in to try and change our cognitive thinking are strangers to us… our upbringing… our lifestyles, so we rarely accept what they bring to us like we would from a peer. The new focus is peer-initiated programming. You may have heard of the new Peer Recovery Specialist Program that inmates have been taking to become support counsellors. Its focus currently is on substance abuse but there are broader opportunities. VADOC is, at this point, looking at peer ran programming as a gift horse knowing that understaffing and gaps in connectability have been a serious issue in trying to fix problems. I’m now reaching out to you as my peers to ask that we take this opportunity and not squander it. If you’ve been down a while, you have seen the difference in the system through the years. One time when young dudes came into the system, they were mentored by “old heads” on how to do time and not let time do them. We’ve fallen far from that, and it may never be like that again. We have a new way forward to help each other. I want to help. I’m tired of complaining and want to be part of the solution, so I became a PRS and have begun writing a mentor program to help with cognitive thinking while incarcerated. The system believes that 6 months before you go home, re-entry will prepare you. We know that’s preposterous. Truly changing thinking takes time and begins with your thoughts and actions while in prison and that’s what my program will focus on. I would appreciate any input from my peers and am open to working with others who want to see change. If you have written a program or feel you could, that could be beneficial to your peers then now is the time to push it. You have examples of these programs popping up all around in the system (i.e R.N.C.C – Running Club, K.M.C.C – T.R.I.P.S, etc). All of these were designed by inmates for inmates. If you have a program, write it out and send a copy to your IPM & CHAP and a letter to Richmond detailing how your program can be beneficial. When writing these programs, remember to be honest with yourself about plausibility and security because these will always be the first hurdles you jump.
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Sentencing - D Annarelli - GR
Virginia is often found to be a national pariah where its judicial system is of concern. A PEW Charitable Trust survey put its wrongful conviction rate at 20%, approximately 4800 people currently, & that is one of the more conservative numbers. VA has the 9th highest incarceration rate & is 50th, DEAD LAST, in education even as it spends $1.5 billion (27% of the ENTIRE state budget) on its Dept. of Corrections. At the core of these issues -& so many more- is Virginia's excessive sentencing. Virginia's sentencing laws are often painted in very broad and vague stroke's. Too often dangerously misapplied. Too much discretion is vested in judges & too much more vested in prosecutors, neither of whom are held to standards and ethics as provided by BAR associations or Judicial Rules. Too many instances exist to cite, but even a cursory investigation would turn up more examples than you would hope or expect to find. Often, it is the ranges of statutory sentence ranges, combined with too vague crime descriptions, that lead to excessive sentencing. The crime of 'malicious wounding' is an excellent example. Malicious wounding has a mandatory minimum of 2 years, & a statutory maximum of 30 years. That is a wide range, & at the complete discretion of a judge. The charge can be levied for an injury where blood is drawn. From a paper cut or busted lip, to being stabbed or shot multiple times, if blood is spilled it's malicious wounding ..... at the discretion of a Commonwealth Attorney. Given the long history of heavy sentencing in Virginia, & an equally well-known disparity in sentences (i.e. 20 years for a busted lip in a bar fight vs. 5 years for 5 stab wounds), this explains in part the root of the problem. Another part of the problem is a lack of, default, retroactivity when crimes -or their penalties- are altered. I present two examples of this problem, referred to colloquially as the "old law/new law" discrepancy. The first example I offer is simp!e, cut & dry. Legalized marijuana. My research shows that Virginia is the only state to decriminalise/partially legalize marijuana & NOT release a single person. In fact, Virginia legislators wouldn't even consider allowing for review or reduction of sentences. That is not only atrocious, but it is the definition of 'despotic' (Black's Law Dictionary, 10th ed.). It is also a clear example, to my mind, of a residual problem that underlies the Virginia criminal justice system, plaguing it for centuries. The other example I put forward is a bit more nuanced but is no less one of poor policy regarding retroactivity of changed laws. Robbery. Robbery, which had a sentencing range up to & including life was a single charge. Recently, it was changed to reflect 4 degrees: Robbery 1 - 4. Robbery 4, & 3 carry maximum sentences of 5 years & 10 years respectively. Due to the lack of retroactivity, there are people who have now served 20 & 30 years under the old law, who would have served no more than 5 or 10 years max. That lack of retroactivity, (& Virginia's refusal to allow 'new law' as a legitimate justification for legal relief) is preventing these people from adjudicating their case & sentences. This means that some of these people will watch others come in on the same -or greater- charge and serve less time. This is a clear 8th amendment violation of cruel and unusual punishment, as well as a 6th amendment access to the court’s violation. There is exactly zero legitimate justification for such a lack of mechanism for review. I would say that any official attempting to justify this gross discrepancy would only further erode the legitimacy of a system in serious question. These are only 2 examples. There are, easily, dozens more, & legal scholars are regularly lambasting Virginia for its archaic policies and poor legislation.
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Leadership - A Jordan - Beaumont
In his book "Disruptive Thinking," T. D. Jakes states that "leadership is servitude." He says that you can't call yourself a leader "if you don't serve." He then states: "Good leadership is a service to humanity ---- not to ourselves. . . .In its truest form, leadership is service." Those of us who are running peer lead programs must understand this concept in it's purest form; meaning that our commitment to rehabilitation must extend beyond the allotted one per week for the program. Service for us means helping others in building strong moral characters. Leadership is about making our communities better, and the only way that a good leader can do that is through service. You don't have to be an eloquent speaker to be a good leader. You don't have to have the mind of Einstein to be a good leader. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Everybody can be great . . . because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."
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We will be sending pictures of the posts we do of everybody's submissions on our social media, and keep a look out for your piece in future newsletters. We wish we could have included them all, 10,000 characters is just not enough. As we approach December, please continue to communicate with us. Please keep speaking life into each other, and know that we are all in this together.
 

Kirsten, Chris & The Team
The40Strong.com
@TheForty Strong FB
Tikotk - 40strongwave
 

             Wednesday October 9th, 2024

Members, Families, Friends, Advocates and the Broader Community,
 

Here at the 40 Strong, we send all our well wishes first to those all affected by Hurricane Helene, inclusive of our Western region facilities impacted with their loss of power, phones and visits. We have been receiving many emails regarding Second Look missing the 2025 session, with multiple emails coming through with letters to our Republican delegates and senators. Please note that we are passing these on, and they are making movement in the space. Your voices are powerful, and though we may not always be able to respond to every email (as we operate on a very small team), that we do see them, and ensure that your voices are heard. As an advocate, and director of education here, I wanted to also make a special mention to the robust conversations I have been having with our members regarding their programs, courses, and ideas surrounding expanding educational opportunities in facilities across the VADOC. It is my dream to create a space where you are in control and determining your own space and opportunities. Please, if you have been on the fence about engaging with us regarding your ideas, send them through. We love to hear them and support them wherever we are able. In addition, we are looking at partnering with a new litigation assistant and currently have this in the works – to provide you all with litigation advice that is valid and useful. Finally, we are also looking at having a volunteer translate our newsletters monthly into Spanish for our Spanish speaking members and are looking for expressions of interest to gauge the network that we would need to cater to – please respond to this newsletter and let us know.
As always, please know that we are here, with you, to support you, and encourage your growth. We are almost 3000 strong now, and value every one of you. Please continue to have those hard conversations, involve your peers, educate others, and advocate for yourselves. We have your back.
Kirsten & The Team at 40 Strong
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REFLECTIONS OF AN INMATE – 40 STRONG MEMBER JOSH HORN
Michael Jordan once said, " I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. What I can't accept is NOT TRYING". Do you have enough TRY? Have you the intestinal fortitude to try against all odds? In the face of adversity? Trying doesn't always mean success. It's like getting a black eye. It doesn't mean you lost but, only that you stood in there. Often times we stop trying. I am guilty of this myself. We fall down and get tired of getting back up. It leaves bruises and scars inside and out. But we can't stay down. You have two options in life. Get up or stay down. Maybe it seems easier to stay down. But in the long run you make it harder by giving up. It will keep you up at nights wondering, what if? And then you find it hard to live with yourself. But by trying at least we can sleep at night knowing we had the guts to give it all we had whether we fail or not. What if our soldiers in the military just laid down? Not a war would be won. What if we all laid down in here? Not a thing would be accomplished. The man would continue to stick it to us. So, rise up and try. Even if it just starts with YOURSELF. Let it be contagious. Encourage each other to keep trying no matter what demons we're facing. Lift your brothers up. It all starts with ONE VOICE but when it becomes all of us together that's when goals are accomplished. And even if we fail it doesn't mean the war is lost. Maybe the battle but not the war and by failing we learn what not to do the next time. But without trying we learn nothing at all. Not a way to succeed or fail. If at first, we don't succeed, try again. Eventually the trying will pay off. It always does. Without trying there will never be success. So, what will you do? Try or lay down? Give it all you got or, never accomplish anything because you let the man keep you down? Never stop trying no matter how big or small the goal!
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NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER – SUBMISSIONS NEEDED
As a team, we have decided to make November’s newsletter a ‘40S Members Takeover’ edition. The entire newsletter will be written by our members, for our members. There are 6 topics to choose from, and we ask that if you would like your submission to be considered, that you keep it to 300-500 words maximum. In the event that there isn’t room for your submission in the newsletter, all responses will be posted to our FB page – @TheForty Strong. We look forward to showcasing the writing talent we know that we have in our 3000 members and encourage you to take part in this initiative!
Topics to consider:
Sentencing
Second Look Missing the 2025 Legislative Session
DOC Employment
Education & Training
Parole
Leadership & Mentoring
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NEWS YOU CAN USE – 40 STRONG MEMBER JOSEPH GREENE
Topic: 53.1-202.3, ESC1/ESC2
Inmates that are trying to find out if they qualify to receive ESC1/ESC2 can request from their counselor a (SUMMARY AUDIT SHEET). This contains all street charges, jail credit time, when they became state custody, what good time earning levels they were receiving per year, their overall total sentence, and current release date. Families can also go to the VADOC website and request court and legal correspondence unit to inform their family's any information pertaining to ESC1/ESC2.
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THE FREEDOM WALK – SHANA HICKS
The Freedom Walk on October 12th at Portsmouth City Park from 11am to 1pm is a call for justice and reform. We are gathering to raise awareness about the unjust sentencing of Rudolph Turner and countless others who have been handed disproportionately harsh sentences. Rudolph has spent nearly 27 years behind bars, despite being rehabilitated, earning a college degree, and serving as a mentor to young men entering prison. This walk symbolizes our commitment to advocating for fair and humane sentencing, shining a light on the need for change in our justice system. Together, we stand for hope, second chances, and the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity for redemption.
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VICTIM IMPACT PROGRAM DOCUMENTARY
We have received note from many of our members regarding their involvement in the success of the VADOC Documentary on the Victim Impact Program. An email was sent out as detailed below as to the success of the documentary and we encourage you to let your families know to watch it on YouTube and register for the program! Congratulations and our absolute respect and joy to all our members that took part in the program and the documentary. This is such positive news to come out of the DOC and we look forward to more opportunities arising like this! Please note that Kirsten also shared all your individual feedback on the program & the documentary with Ms. Leake, as she was excited to share this with her team and the development aspect. Your voices are powerful!
Dear Participant,
The VADOC Victim Services Unit would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your participation in the Victim Impact Documentary in 2023. Your openness in discussing how crime affects communities played a crucial role in bringing national attention to our program. We are thrilled to share that, in June 2024, VADOC was honored with an EMMY Award from the Capital Emmy Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. This recognition celebrates outstanding individual achievements in our region and receiving an Emmy, the gold standard in the television industry underscores the importance of your contribution. Thank you for helping us shine a light on this vital program for our Agency!
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RNCC 416-2-911 RUNNING CLUB – 40 Strong Member Douglas Johnson
Congratulations to the participants of the victim impact-related "416-2-911 RUNNING CLUB" program at RNCC! Due to the years-long waiting list for the Victim Impact Program at RNCC, incarcerated military Veterans took the initiative to start a running club in honor of the victims in their cases, their families, and their own families. The running club also doubles as an empathy-building, mentoring/peer-support program.
In the five months between 16 April and 11 September, the twenty-man Veteran and non-Veteran running club ran a combined total of 2055 laps (222 miles) around their A-Building Recreation Yard. On 9-11, they closed out their run with part of an Army running cadence.
Although program opportunities and mental health services may be severely limited while we are incarcerated, let us all continue to take the initiative in creating our own opportunities for our personal growth.
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PAROLE BOARD CONTACT DETAILS – Thank you to 40 Strong Member Mark Witt
Please note that any supporting documentation that needs to be sent to accompany parole packets can now be sent to the parole board general mailbox which is: vpbmail@vpb.virginia.gov
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RETURNING CITIZENS LUNCHEON– LEAGUE FOR SAFER STREETS – PAUL TAYLOR
Members of the 40 Strong, along with returning citizens attended the Returning Citizens Booster Luncheon on Saturday 28th September to celebrate success and stigma breaking in Richmond at the Marriot. The day was a huge success, with so many individuals celebrated, and connections made. We look forward to posting photos on our FB page and further events just like this one to continue to change the narrative.
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BENDING THE BARS – PAROLE THINK TANK
As preparation for our 2025 VA Parole Prep Programs, we are conducting Think Tanks! In order for your loved ones to take part in the think tank, or for you to participate yourself – you must be:
1) Infraction free for 5 years or more
2) held employment for 5 years or more
3) completed all offered programs and education opportunities and
4) been denied parole.
Once the programs are launched, ALL citizens eligible for parole are welcomed to participate. The purpose of the Think Tanks is to gather data about similarities of past hearings and design a program to overcome those barriers.
If you or your family are interested, please respond with your state number, make contact on (804) 929 0618, BendingtheBars@gmail.com or FB @Bending Bars.
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JUSTICE REIMAGINED WORKSHOP – OCTOBER EVENT – VIRGINIA JUSTICE ALLIANCE
The "Justice Reimagined" workshop, happening on Saturday, October 26th at the Glen Allen Library, is all about bringing the community together to tackle big issues like mass incarceration and the school-to-prison pipeline.
Doors open at 10:30 AM, and things kick off at 11 AM.
This event is perfect for anyone who wants to better understand how our criminal justice system works, why it needs serious reform, and how policies directly impact people's lives—especially youth. It’s also a chance to dive into the legislative process and figure out how everyday people can influence real change. You’ll hear from advocates and experts who are actively working on justice reform here in Virginia and walk away with practical tools to make a difference.
Whether you’re a concerned parent, student, educator, or someone passionate about dismantling mass incarceration, this workshop is for you. It’s a great space for those just starting to get involved, as well as seasoned advocates. The goal is to help empower everyday people to take action and help reimagine a justice system that’s fair, rehabilitative, and focused on equity.
If you're interested, reach out at 804-404-6080 or check out more details on the Virginia Justice Alliance website: VirginiaJusticeAlliance.org. Let’s come together and start making the changes we want to see.
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HOLES – SCOTT LEWIS
I had been in that hole for a very long time
In the dark and the damp, in the cold and the slime
The shaft was above me; I could see it quite clear
But there's no way I could ever reach it from here.
Nor could I remember the world way up there
So, I lost all my hope and gave into despair
I knew nothing but darkness, the floor and the walls
Then off in the distance, I heard someone call; "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter. Take rocks and old sticks and build up a fine ladder."
This had never occurred to me-had not crossed my mind
But I started to stack all the stones I could find.
When I ran out of stones, then old sticks were my goal
For one way or another I'd get out of this hole.
So, I soon had a ladder that was sturdy and tall
And I thought, “I’ll soon leave this place once and for all!"
I climbed up my ladder; it was no easy chore,
For from lifting those boulders, my shoulders were sore.
I climbed up my ladder but soon had to stop for my ladder stopped short-some 10 feet from the top.
I climbed back down my ladder and started to cry I'd done all I could do.
I gave my best try and in spite of my work, in this hole I must die
And all I could do was sit and think, “why?"
Was my ladder too short? Or my hole much too deep?
Then from way upon high came a voice, "Do not weep."
And the faith, hope and love entered my chest
As the voice said to me that I'd done my best He said,
"You've worked hard, your labors' been rough, but the ladder you've built is at last tall enough. Do not despair. You have reason to hope. Just climb up your ladder; I'll throw down my rope."
I climbed up the ladder, then climbed up the cord.
When I got to the top, there stood the Lord.
I couldn't be happier; my struggle was done I blinked in the brightness that came from the sun.
I fell to the ground, His feet did I kiss.
I cried, "What can I do to repay thee for this?"
Then He looked all around Him. There were holes in the ground.
They had people inside and were seen all around.
There were thousands of holes that were damp, dark and deep.
Then the Lord turned to me, and He said, "Feed my sheep."
Then he went on his way to help other lost souls, and I got right down to work, calling down to the holes; "Get up! Get ready! There's nothing the matter! Take rocks and olds sticks and build up a fine ladder."
It was now my turn to spread the good word, the most glorious message that man ever heard.
That there is one who is willing to save one and all
And we've got to be ready when He gives the call
He'll pull us out of the hole that we're in
And save all our souls from death and from sin
So do not lose faith; there is reason to hope
Just build up your ladder; He'll throw down His rope.
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LAWRENCEVILLE PAROLE & VETERAN PROGRAM – UPDATE VIA MS LEAKE
We are pleased to note that Kirsten was able to have a productive conversation with Ms Leake to follow up on many of the inquiries coming from our members regarding the parole eligible and veterans’ program that was initiated at LVCC this year.
Thus far, updates are positive regarding the implementation of enhanced menus & beds, additional programming, guest speakers (from those incarcerated and legislative decision makers, including those on the parole board), and inmate-led programming such as mindfulness, domestic violence, and art therapy.
The programs at LVCC are designed to prepare for parole and release, and for this reason, the placement of housing at LVCC is permanent. However, Ms Leake has advised me that there will be a waiting list opening in the next coming months that eligible people will receive communication regarding on their Jpay.
The criteria, as it stands – for qualification to LVCC is good behavior for 4 years, and a security level 3 or less. Ms Leake expressed that their aim is the open this to security level 4, but for now, these are the qualification parameters.
We really look forward to further updates from not only our members, but the DOC in terms of the success and progression of the programs and encourage all those that are presented with the opportunity – to take VADOC up on the offer, to better your chances at parole preparation, and consideration for release.
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THE BIG PICTURE STRATEGY – THE 40 STRONG TEAM
We often times get emails of appreciation and testimonials of change and our members doing great things. These stories motivate us and keep us fighting even when it gets hard. The opposite of that is knowledge of violence and other actions that are counter-productive to our fight. We are asking for influencers, leaders, mentors, big homies, Imams, and everyone else without influence to support non-violence throughout DOC. There's recently been a couple incidents from Greensville on the news that were violent acts. We don't need no extra ammo for anyone to be bringing up as we fight for more change. Then most of the issues we hear about be frivolous and can be avoided. BIG change is coming as soon as 2025 and 2026, and we need everybody to help us avoid backlash or obstacles from violence. We are asking for help on this. Thank you and we appreciate you all.
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GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025
We are beginning to gear up for our 2025 General Assembly Day in January.  Over the last three years our General Assembly days have been growing and growing! Last year we had families, friends, and advocates cone out and we went all over the General Assembly building spreading the word of Second Chances. The Delegates and Senators were very courteous and took time to hear our concerns. Please get your families and friends geared up for January as we will be announcing the date of our 2025 General Assembly Day and objectives.  LET’S GO!
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Legal & Litigation Advice - Keith L. Hill, 1059964
If you committed your crime(s) for which you are incarcerated after July 1, 2002, and was sentenced to an active term of imprisonment that was not suspended, you may be able to return to the Circuit Court for resentencing. There was a radical change to Supreme Court Rule 1:1 now Rule 1:1(a), (b), (c) & (d) effective January 1, 2022. If you were not sentenced to post-release incarceration (18.2-10(g) and post-release supervision (19.2-295.2(A), you are sitting in prison without an effective (final) sentencing order authorizing your custody in prison. Your sentencing order misstep would fall under Rule 1:1(b) because there is something left to be done by the court, that is, imposition of post-release incarceration and post-release supervision, therefore, your sentencing order is not final, but interlocutory. Kellogg v. Green, 295 Va. 39, 45 (2018). The "leaves nothing to be done phrase" in Rule 1:1(b) means nothing left for the court to do, not the litigants--meaning you. Monroe v. Monroe, 302 Va. 387, 398 (2023). Don't turn this new Rule into a missed opportunity.
_________________________
TEAM ROC & REFORM ALLIANCE JOB FAIR
The VADOC and The 40 Strong are committed to supporting the upcoming Job Fair hosted by Team ROC and Reform Alliance on Friday, October 18th between 9am - 5pm at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, VA. This event is designed to support individuals with a criminal justice background in securing employment or finding promotional opportunities.
 

IN CLOSING….
We hope that October’s newsletter is uplifting, informative, and well rounded. This is a time, as always, that we need to band together and be having these hard conversations. Make a change, albeit small, in the environment you can influence. Influence those around you for positive change and continue to breathe life into yourself and others. There are plenty of positive things to take out of this newsletter, however, as always, if there are any specific questions you have or feedback that we can take on board, please feel free to send these through. We have tried to answer as many of the frequent questions that come through as we could – and hope that you are able to share this with your broader community.
 

Kirsten
40 Strong Director of Education & Personal Advocate
The40Strong.com
Facebook @TheForty Strong
Tiktok - 40strongwave
 

           September 5th, 2024

Dear Justice League of Virginia,
 

I send my best to everyone hoping you are well. I must admit that I wish it was under different circumstances that I was writing to you. When I received a copy and paste of your letter to the organization I had to literally double take. Well, if I'm being honest, it was a triple take or better. I definitely understood, because I've been dealing with such misunderstandings my whole time in Virginia DOC. The need to assume instead of educating and care is a constant. So, it does provide the opportunity to educate. Or maybe the tangible word would be Enlighten. So, with all due respect to your missive, I do have the right to respond to your missive. Please allow me the same audience that our volunteers and a few others who share the 40 strong emails had this morning reading your words. To be honest when I read it, I could only think of how they felt reading it. Just luckily my mother didn't help with emails yesterday because she had a doctor's appointment but let me move on.
 

First off, nobody in the 40 Strong, associated with us, or affiliated with us would ever steal or anything else with malice intent. The mere idea that this was the motivation for your letter is hurtful. WE WILL NEVER MOVE TO HARM BUT INSTEAD ENLIGHTEN. AND HELP. So, let's stick with this enlightened word for a few.... 

______________________________________________________   

Good afternoon, my name is Courtney Henson, and I go by Free. I believe that over half of you are on my jpay and we've communicated in some form or fashion previously.  I founded the 40 Strong about 4 years ago here in DOC after working with the ACLU ( Ashna, Ben, Phuong) on a few projects. Before that I had been advocating on prison yards since the early 2000's. It was only out of love for change and a desire to see us inside receiving meaningful info that NO ONE other than Margaret Breslau whom I consider a mentor provided.  The passion for my Freedom the driving force and care for humanity MY PURPOSE. I wasn't stealing from Margaret when started a newsletter, I was pushing the message of hope. My purpose from day one has been to Educate and Liberate. I've never even thought of doing negative or harm to ANYONE in the reform community or other. My Love and Respect for the reform community exceeds even the possibility of being naive to the politics and an entitlement of reform that I will never subscribe to.  
 

You see, I started out in 2003 writing legislators on my toilet frustrated at Wallens Ridge. The people calling us NIGGERS and killing dudes. NOBODY came to help or stop it in spite of letters, calls, or cries to politicians. We all wrote politicians, but I did it a bit more. My writing even garnered back and Forths on reform ideas with Tim Kaine, Jennifer McClellan, and Bobby Scott way before who they are today. I respected their opinions, but I always stated truth. Now this is when NOBODY was going home! HOPE was but a wore for thousands...

I was angry after feeling like the Alexandria courts had bamboozled me! I used to cry out to God like, WHY AM I GOING THROUGH THIS! I was just the precocious kid navigating the slums of DC and Baltimore holding the hand of my father or uncles. I had seen almost everything by age 10 and most of it I still try not to remember. Imagine having to hustle at 11 to help pay rent or give your mother hope.  Everybody around me on heroine or hustling and I go in my 4th grade class pretending like it's not! The streets look a mess and its killings every day and NOBODY cares LITERALLY! My apartment was a bus ride from the Whitehouse--- but it felt like worlds apart. Ronald Regan was president then, and I could never understand how a 10-minute bus ride could bring such contrast. Nevertheless, even then I knew what politics wasn't doing.

Then on the prison yard of Sussex 2 in the mid 2000's while passing out On Point Weekly newsletters (idea I had) with comrades like Askari Lumumba, Nadir, Black, and other early DOC organizers, I had an epiphany. It was then that I felt a purpose in regard to reform that has stayed. I've been constantly involved in action, programs, events, fundraisers and ways to educate since then. The journey from the early 2000's to now has cultivated vital relationships and bonds. The relationships have never questioned intentions. We never kept count or considered pushing the cause on different fronts disrespectful---- it was love! If Freedom Over Everything screamed Parole Now --- we said Parole Now! If Ms. K said Justice for Fish back, we said Justice for Fish back! Each one teaches even of you make a mistake on particulars it was the intention. 

When Earned Sentence Credits was shot down in 2022, we held events all over Virginia to educate and console families. Our Jpay was flooded with letters of despair and even suicides during this time. It was a very trying time for me trying to lead the right way while dealing with the disappointment. I decided to start the Virginia DOC voting block and got families involved. We felt like it was a war against Glen Youngkin, as did our members and their families. However, the only way we could win was with votes! So, we spread the word prison to prison...

 We have ALWAYS shouted out SIP, THP, NOLEfT, as well as Shawn. Animosity never crossed my/our minds even with the discrepancy on Second Look Day last year. I felt like it was perceived as overstepping boundaries, when in fact it was our mission to brighten the light on Second Look. I truly am not aware of etiquette when it comes to freedom and the vehicles possible to achieve it. The movement belongs to the people! You see, we are nothing but team players. We don't do politics in a jaded way. Our goal is to get 20,000 plus families to vote and continue the push for change. I can remember speaking to Juanita a couple days after Governor Youngkins' action and distinctly telling her that we were forming a voting block to win the majority and get earned sentence credits back. It was those numbers that mattered in negotiations cause nothing to provide freedom was passing. So don't take a victory by default as reason to rest on your laurels. You see I believe that JUSTICE should never sleep because we are already so far behind. There was just Whites Only water fountains in the 60's and that really wasn't that long ago. You hold them to the fire every year to explain these extremely long sentences, horrible conditions, and Second Chances. Look around the reform community and we ALL see what Second Chances look like. So, do we believe in that enough to be uncomfortable and still represent the people---or is it now just politics?? 

This whole situation could have been fixed many months ago with anyone reaching out and just saying what it was. I've communicated with several people listed here since lobby day and we just did our second collaboration with Taj/THP a few weeks ago at Inthrive nothing. However, it was all good though when the families were sending videos to support Second Look and showing up at the General Assembly. The calls, emails, and committee hearing alerts were appreciated as well, right? Just not us keeping the hope alive unless approved right??
 

So yes, we are at a crossroads again. We are just grinding every day to create hope. We send out our monthly newsletter to 2600 members and over 200 families. We support other organizations by action, word, and resources. We are still writing Delegates and Senators about Fair Parole Hearings. You see, we never thought to differentiate the needs of those who need hope. We step for Parole, Fish back, Earned Sentence Credits and other possibilities just like Second Look. We never wanted congrats or credit for anything, the ONLY goal is a FAIR Criminal Justice System in Virginia.
 

You see, inside the trenches, people don't get to take years off. Our mothers are getting old and kids are having kids. If there's nothing else but hope sometimes that suffices. So, it's never disrespect or overstepping boundaries, it's ALWAYS about representing the needs of the men and women of Virginia DOC and their families. It's about helping our members with money and jobs when released. It's about education and love, not politics. We are just 40 Strong, nowhere near the Justice League.
 

I may think later tonight while laying down if I went too hard in this response. Then I'll think of the 100's of Jpay letters we'll receive this week and say hell no! Nobody wants to hear just sit tight until 2026 it'll be alright. Then we're supposed to hype the families up to vote next year when those whom they're voting for took a gap year??? What happened to keeping them honest? Nevertheless, it is your bill and everything that happens with it better come through y'all right? We couldn't use this opportunity to bring light to stories even knowing it might not go in January. Yeah, this politics thing isn't for us.
 

I responded because I know what this organization stands for. I watch our team do the work every day for the love of change! I watch my mother attend events at 76 with hope in her eyes. Then we get those emails where someone graduated, became a paralegal, or wrote a book. It humbles you. It truly makes you see that the world is bigger than us. When families email us saying my daughter said reach out to get involved. When members come home and want to help, it all humbles you. I responded because I have the right to defend what's dear to my heart.
 

So, we will stand down for The Justice League and explain the future of Second Look on Tuesday. I just wish we didn't have to break the bad news because it is y'all bill. It would been nice to have received an email or something being that we did fight with you.  Or maybe y'all could have informed the families and others who found out recently or those who still do not know the 2025 plan. There goes that politics thing again.... 

However, it's not politics that creates change--- it's people with action that influence politics. As I said throughout this letter, politics just isn't for us. We can make people show up to vote but we won't play politics So thank you for the Second Look reality check and we definitely understand. 

Free 40 S.
 

A note from Kirsten - our Director of Education and Personal Advocate
 

I wanted to respond to this email that came into our inbox this morning with the urgency and velour that it deserves - given there have been plenty of opportunities to discuss this in a less 'formal' and aggressive way at multiple turns, but alas - here we are. We support almost 3000 members and more than that in families and represent the hundreds of emails and messages a week we get of poor conditions, loss of hope, reports of abuse, disability violations, and more.
More often than not, all of the 'Justice League' organizations are championed and celebrated in most, if not all of our newsletters that are circulated. Due to this relationship, people like Fatimah reach out whenever ya'll need some sort of 'big' movement on videos, stories, testimonies, and more - because we have the reach. There is NEVER a thank you, never an acknowledgement. Just a take. Your lives are supported, advertised, and encouraged - and we have multiple lives and events that 'The Justice League' seem to negate to remember or bother to acknowledge.
This is and never will be personal for us, unless it involves the marginalized and disadvantaged people that we represent. Politics may be important in terms of maintaining relationships and keeping grants coming in - but it's just as important not to lose sight of the HUMAN side of this. Because these are HUMANS that we are representing, not numbers - and they matter. It doesn't take a college degree to understand how the political jungle works (works is a sweeping statement), but an email designed to shame and disregard, rather than a 'hey can we chat'?
I really thought this 'community' was better than that - but again, my mistake.
Show quoted text
--
Kirsten Knights
Personal Advocate & Director of Education
The 40 Strong
 

     WELCOMING ALL NEW MEMBERS!!!
 

                                 July 10, 2024
 

     Dear Members, Families, and Friends!
 

     Happy July with hopes that everyone is well. All is well with us just       excited about the July 1st releases. To see the results of hard work is       not only gratifying but also humbling. THE TIME IS NOW!!!! If you been       sitting around loafing and joking WAKE UP! Get that GED, complete that       program, complete that trade. The numbers are in, and Virginia leads the       nation in reducing prison population. Why is that??? Look around you, nobody wants to come back unless their crazy! We are looking to start       jobs programs next year where we can hire our members once their       released. This will take time and planning but we're up for the       challenge. We are looking to gain relationships with businesses all over       Virginia that will partner with us to hire our members. So, this is not       just about getting Second Chances, its about NEVER COMING BACK! I’m       enclosing an article about the population reduction to inspire you. Never       give up!
 

     According to the Justice Department, Virginia's prison population       decreased by 10.5% from 2021 to 2022, which was the largest decline in       the country during a time when the national prison population was       increasing. This was the first time Virginia's prison population had       declined since 2009, after four decades of growth.
 

     RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The population of Virginia’s state prisons       experienced the largest decline across the United States between 2021 and       2022, according to new data released by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
 

     According to the DOJ, only seven states saw a population decline in state       correctional facilities, with Virginia leading the pack with a 10.5%       decrease.
 

     While California’s state prisons were down the highest number of total       prisoners with 3,800 over the same time, its percentage decrease was far       less at 3.8%. Even then, Virginia state prisons saw the second-highest       decline in number of prisoners with 3,200.
 

     The nine states with the highest decreases in prison population, 2021-22
 

     State Population Difference 2021-2022
 

     Virginia -10.5%
 

     Oregon -5.2%
 

     California -3.7%
 

     New Mexico -3.6%
 

     Massachusetts -2.4%
 

     New Hampshire -1.9%
 

     Iowa -1.0%
 

     Arizona -0.1%
 

     Data: Department of Justice
 

     According to the DOJ, the majority of states saw an increase in their       prison populations, with 9 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons       adding over 1,000 persons each — totalling 22,900.
 

     _______________________________________________________
 

     EARNED SENTENCE CREDITS RELEASES
 

     Congrats to all those being released in July and months coming. Stay on       point do not forget the pain of all you went through. We need you in       society making a difference and staying out there. Do no try to play       catch up or keep. If people out here doing the same things when you left       STAY AWAY FROM THEM!!! We have an extensive Re-entry Resource list on our       website: The40Strong.com. PLEASE find time to volunteer or talk to some       young people in your neighborhood and connect with your family.
 

     *Please contact Taj with The Humanization Project to speak on what Earned       Sentence Credits release has done for you to help other charges be added!
 

Taj@thehumanizationproject.org
 

     __________________________________________________
 

     FAIR PAROLE HEARINGS INITIATIVE
 

     We have been watching the Parole approval rates very closely this year       like every other year. It's very obvious that Fair Hearings are NOT being       conducted. We are very concerned about Fishback men and women still being       denied a Second Chance after having errored trials. How are men and women       who've served 25,30,40+ years and doing right not getting these chances?       We are launching a FAIR PAROLE INITIATIVE to highlight those who have       done everything possible for Freedom but still lack that Second Chance.       Here's info:
 

     #1 Write us a short version of how long you've been in, ALL       accomplishments, how many times you've been turned down, how long charge, free etc.
 

     #2 What is your most common reason for denial?
 

     #3 What is your home plan and plan once you're released?
 

     PLEASE specify if you're Old Law, Geriatric, Juvenile, or Fishback. We need great template people for our Facebook and our website. This is a       VERY serious problem, and we have to approach it as such.
 

     * If your family has a good picture of you that we can add to profile on website please have them send it to our email
 

     with your name and state #
 

The40strong@gmail.com
 

     In the meantime, keep fighting! Keep taking classes, working, and staying       in position. We will continue to get updates from Lawrenceville about the  progress and process for parole eligible.
 

     WE WILL SPEAK FOR YOU!!!!
 

     _____________________________________________________
 

     The next stop is Southside Virginia Community College. We did Northern       Virginia now this will be 1hr from Richmond 40 minutes from Petersburg.       Everyone who contributed to George Mason's event will have their poetry       and spoken word highlighted again. If your family would like to attend or       come out to read your work have them email us: The40strong@gmail.com
 

     WE WILL BE HERE WITH GIVEAWAYS AND TSHIRTS!
 

     INTHRIVE FILM FESTIVAL AT SOUTHSIDE!!!!!!
 

     Saturday August 3, 2024 12pm--5pm
 

     Southside Virginia Community College
 

109       Campus Drive
 

Alberta,       Virginia 23821
 

     * The critically acclaimed documentary Calls from Home will be shown with       other great short films. Lit!!!!!
     ____________________________________________
               PARDON PETITTION SERVICE
 

     We will be offering Pardon Petition Services
     beginning August 1st to increase the doors
     for Second Chances. Please have your family
     reach out to us for an application. As you
     pursue other forms of freedom its vital to stay
     in position.  
     For a Pardon Petition Contact Us:
The40strong@gmail.com
 

                                        AFFORDABLE
     ________________________________________________________
 

     US Attorney General
     Merrick Garland
950 Penn. Ave
     Wash., DC 20530
     202-353-1555
     202-252-7566
 

     US Dept. of Justice
     202-514-2002
 

     Va. Attorney General
     Jason S. Miyares
     202 N. 9th Street
     Rich., Va. 23219
     804-786-2071
 

     Va. Secretary of State
     Kelly Gee (R)
     P. O. 1475
     Rich., Va.
     804-786-2441
 

     Governor of Virginia
     Glenn Youngkin (R)
     Winsome Earle-Sears Lt. Gov. of Va.
1111  E. Broad St.
     Rich., Va. 23219
     804-786-2211
Glenn.Youngkin@governor.virginia.gov
 

     US Supreme Court
     1 First Street NE
     Wash., DC 20543
     202-479-3000
 

     Va. Supreme Court
     100 N. 9th Street 5th Fl.
     Rich., Va. 23219
     804-786-2251
 

     Clerk of Court Muriel-Theresa Pitney
     Chief Deputy Clerk William B. Tsimpris
     Deputy Clerk I Lesley Smith
     “. Clerk II Jody James-Wood
     “. Clerk III Melissa B. Layman
 

     Subject Matter: Utilizing your Creative Writing to Impact Communities in Society.
 

     The 40 Strong Advocacy Group would like to build a platform that would give those who are sincerely working towards change and Rehabilitation an       opportunity to reach back out to society in a positive way through       creative writing. Our team would like to collaborate with those writers       who can provide a since of direction for the youth in our communities.       The 40 Strong will be hands on with publishing, editing and illustrations       for Self-help, Mentorship and Mental Health projects.
 

     Our communities in society are in need of more Mentorship and Leadership       from those men and women who were once a part of the problem now they are       part of the solution. There are many of those incarcerated in the       Virginia Department of Corrections who have the creativity to create a       project that would encourage, influence and motivate the next generation       to become the best version of themselves. However, they do not have the       support or the means to publish a project that could potentially help our       communities.
 

     The 40 strong will be your voice and the quality of material that we are       promoting will only be for Self-help, Mentorship and Mental Health Projects "No Urban Novels" we do not want to glorify what lead       many of those to incarceration. Our goal is to expand the fight for       freedom for those incarcerated in the VA DOC to show their impact on       society through creative writing.
 

     Those men and women who are interested can send their manuscript via JPay       to be evaluated for approval, once they are approved by our team, we will       send out a contract to the author that will discuss royalties and etc.       along with an initial payment to begin the project. The 40 strong will       market your project through social media and other outlets where books are       sold. A percentage of the proceeds will go towards the Author and a       Charitable Organization of your choice. The goal is to create a project       that we can show to those legislatures on why there are many of those       incarcerated who should be considered for a Second Chance.
 

     We want to touch on topics such as Peer Pressure, Influencers, Drug       Addiction, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Gang Violence, Entrepreneurship,    recognizing risky situations, setting a Goal, Managing Stress, Anxiety       and Sadness. These are just a few topics that we can brainstorm our       creativity to create a project that will potentially help our society.
 

     _______________________________________
 

     Members Making It Happen
 

     Convict Care is a small movement started by an incarcerated person meant       to provide the tools people doing time all over the world need to make the most of their bids. The first book, Convict Care- Thousand DollarHustle is a step-by-step guide that teaches you as an inmate how to       achieve financial independence while serving time ANYWHERE. I, David Hosley utilized these tools on a super max and a maximum-security prison and stopped being a bum. I started to make contributions to my own family and take care of myself. You can do the same thing, all from prison. Start by going onto Amazon and looking up Convict Care. Order yourself a copy and don't forget to address it to the central mail distribution center:
     Your name and #
     C.M.D.C
3521  Woods Way
     Statefarm, VA 23160
 

     Support the movement by ordering a copy to help you become the best version of yourself. The first step to success is saving self!
 

     ________________________________________
 

     SECOND LOOK STORIES
 

     If you think your situation is PERFECT for Second Look let us know. Must have 15 years served, a great institutional history, work history, programs and been affected by blatant over sentencing. The better the       aesthetics the more attention we can get and support. PLEASE have picture (with family at visit is great) because this will be on our website, and we want to humanize mistakes and hope. Please give us a brief on why       you'd be perfect for our Second Look campaign!
 

     * If your story is highlighted it will be on our public website, social       media platforms, and lawmakers to gain more traction on Second Look –       tell your family and friends to head to our website to keep up to date on       our Spotlight Second Look members. This months’ Second Look Campaign is       Jimmy Baggett.
 

     ________________________________________
 

     40 Strong Facebook Live!!!
 

     JULY 19TH 7:30PM-9PM
 

     Hosted By: Kirsten
 

     Re-entry Realities and Parole Truth
 

     Please have your family and friends join us for a very important Facebook Live as we interview Returning Citizens and those who've been waiting       decades for parole. Please save the date and get people to support.
 

     Facebook@TheForty Strong
 

     Greensville's Juneteenth Celebration
 

     We are happy to announce a great event at S-3 that highlighted the unity and talent at Greensville. The show was planned and organized by those at Greensville and supported by Warden Coleman, Assistant Warden Springs and staff. There was singing, spoken word, poetry, education, laughs, music, skits, and plenty of UNITY! Many 40 Strong members attended, and it was a great way to celebrate Juneteenth. Let's keep showing the best of you are!
 

     ________________________________________
           BIG EVENTS COMING!!!!!!!
 

     KETCHMORE KIDS WEEKEND
     AUGUST 4TH NEWPORT NEWS
     King Lincoln Park
600  Jefferson Ave
Newport  News USA
     1pm-sunset
     Fun, Food, Games, Huge Giveaway at event
     ___________________________________________
     RIHD MOBILE TOUR SCHEDULE
     August 10th 1:30-4pm
     Pearl Bailey Library
2510   Wickham Ave
Newport News USA 23607
 

     August 17th 1-4pm
     Varina Public Library
1875 New Market rd
Henrico  USA 23231
 

     August 24th 12-4pm
     Charlottesville Public Library
201  East Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
 

     I DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE
     Rally for Rudolph Turner
 

     Saturday September 7th 1-4pm
     Denbigh Community Center
15198   Warwick Blvd
Newport  News USA
     Shana Hicks, Dr. Iris Wright, Bilal Muhammad
 

     PASS THESE EVENTS ON!!!!!
 

     NEWS YOU CAN USE
 

     New Book Project courtesy CFJ
 

     A new service is available that will offer you free books. Please send a request asking for one book, dictionary, composition notebook, or religious text per month. Please include your general areas of Interest   whether that be fiction, nonfiction, reference, or religious texts. When       writing please use your full name ID number, facility and address. Here       is the info motion to contact:
 

     Virginia Tech Prison Book Project (0227)
 

     115 Major Williams Hall,
 

     220 Stranger Street
 

     Blacksburg, Virginia 24061
 

     Books Behind Bars
 

1600       Gordon Avenue
 

Charlottesville,       VA 22903
 

     DC Books to Prisoners
 

     P.O Box 34190
 

     Washington DC 20043
 

     KEEP ON READING!!!!
 

     RIHD Summer Program
 

     RIHD is having FREE fun events for kids on the weekends and year-round in Richmond. This includes Ice Skating, Day trips and more! Please have someone reach out to RIHD to get your kids involved.
 

     Donald " Don " Allen
 

     RIHD Ambassador and Youth Leader
 

     M-F 8-5 804-426-4426
 

RIHDyouth23075@gmail.com
 

     *Tell them 40 Strong sent you!
 

     Thanks to everyone who supported
 

     Hear Her Voice Blog the movement for women. Please have your family/friends check it out      at: HearHerVoice.Blog
 

     If you're going back to Richmond please tap into this Peer Based organization.
 

     Education and Training, Group Support,
 

     Community Referrals, and More!!!!
 

     The Strivers Program
 

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fsearch%2F2916%2BChamberlayne%2C%2BAve%2BRichmond%2C%2BVA%2B23222%3Fentry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&data=05%7C02%7Ctyrah.kingcade%40kiscosl.com%7C5cd7829a91794d3ec49d08dd0a326ce4%7Cb7ee390c56784d3abcd0eb689bdf76b6%7C0%7C0%7C638677933889119529%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=kTRz3f%2FM4fzMd%2F9ejVjIViPT2JTDwh6HQQEdYYJclc0%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">2916 Chamberlayne, Ave
Richmond, VA 23222

https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fmaps%2Fsearch%2F2916%2BChamberlayne%2C%2BAve%2BRichmond%2C%2BVA%2B23222%3Fentry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&data=05%7C02%7Ctyrah.kingcade%40kiscosl.com%7C5cd7829a91794d3ec49d08dd0a326ce4%7Cb7ee390c56784d3abcd0eb689bdf76b6%7C0%7C0%7C638677933889128406%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Rmue5eNiKdvlY%2F%2FvXHMmw4Nmq08i5nTNv1unKx2upu8%3D&reserved=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Richmond,  VA 23222

 

www.where-we-help/Thestriversprogram
 

     _____________________________________
 

     Legal and Litigation Tips
 

     We’d like to thank Mr. Sample for offering to give some legal Tips in. our monthly newsletter to help with the arduous fight of Litigation. We are looking to have a new Director of Litigation soon because we know how much in means to you all. Let's get on with the tip of the month!
 

     The most important thing that anyone fighting their case pro se has to learn is to emotionally separate themselves from the case. You have to look at it as if you are doing research for someone else. This is a very difficult thing to do, so difficult in fact that even attorneys are discouraged from representing themselves. Haven't you heard the old saying, " An attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client! "However, if you can learn this skill, you are well on your way to being a true litigator. You will be able to focus on real legal issues instead of floundering around in anger or despair. Here's a tip to get you started; treat it like a project: #1 Make a plan #2 find your issue #3 do your research #4 choose your remedy and file your papers to       the court. GOOD LUCK and don't forget to check your emotions at the door!
 

     ________________________________________
 

     In Closing.....
 

     We will be back at you guys in September to allow everyone time to rest       and recharge. A huge thanks to Chris, Kirsten, Nairobi, Netta, Uhuru, Jessica, Harley, Nasir, and the rest of the team. The way you give of yourselves without complaint is Amazing! While we take this time to       recharge, please focus on what's next. We all know that the General Assembly is coming fast (January 2025), so, start getting your family and       friends on point. You might as well get your stamps and envelopes because we will be writing Delegates, Senators, and others. Please continue with       work, programs, and finding ways to get better. Do a recap of the newsletter to support the Parole Initiative, Inthrive Film Festival, Facebook Live, RIHD Summer Fun, and more!!! The work starts NOW for Victories in January! One more thing, DO NOT LET YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY DON'T MISS THE FACEBOOK LIVE!
 

     Chris 40 Strong
 

The40strong@gmail.com
 

     The40Strong.com
 

     --
     Kirsten Knights
     Personal Advocate & Director of Education
     The 40 Strong

June 6th, 2024

Greetings Members, Families and Friends!

    WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT THE EARNED SENTENCE CREDITS VICTORY!!! Of course, we all remember the heartbreak of 2022 when the amendments by Governor Youngkin stopped mixed charges Earned Sentence Credits from becoming law. Now just 2 years later this will be law on July 1st! This is expected to release 800-850 people immediately and 1,000's more in the future.

This was achieved by hard work and a REFORM COMMUNITY that stood tall. We are thankful for the families that came out, voted, participated, emailed, questioned, and cheered. We get several emails a day from your families looking for information. We love to help them learn more on how to help you. So, with Earned Sentence Credits passing I think we all know what the next step is----- REENTRY!!!! We need everybody returning to society ready to leave and be that pillar to the community and your family. We have never lied to y'all or have it any way but across the table; WE HAVE TO MAKE REENTRY A SUCCESS!  This allows for Second Look, 21 under parole, and other things possible. What the First Wave does in July will affect reform for the next 5-10 years. We canceled our Stonewall event to focus exclusively on Reentry Resources. *WE will have ALL Reentry Resources on our website The40Strong.com on June 20th and will keep it updated! FREEDOM IS PRICELESS 

  This newsletter will have REENTRY info to help. If someone around, you is going home soon share the info. We will post a more completed list on our website:

The40Strong.com on June 15th to help assist you further. Do not be afraid to reach out to places like the Salvation Army, O.A.R, Virginia Cure, and even YMCA/YWCA. Just like reaching out to your family's church or place of worship. Be a VOLUNTEER when you can MANY jobs originate from volunteering or community service. We are just really excited about the results that continue to show the hard work. We still have to stay focused. There are still many men and women in Virginia DOC without that chance. We want Parole to be more attainable.

STARTING JULY 1ST PAROLE REFORM

#1. The board will only be required to have 3 of 4 votes to approve a parole application. This is GREAT NEWS that could be the reason for a second chance.

#2. The Parole Board must notify you of their decision via in person visit (face to face), or via video visit.

This will make huge impact on the possibilities so stay encouraged!

___________________________________________

  Earned Sentence Credits Confirmation 

 When the earned sentence credits news first broke two years ago, I was personally devastated. It felt like the organization had let everyone down. I know that may sound crazy but that's how it felt. It gets very difficult trying to impact the organization from behind the wall and it shows you the limitations on you. However, there was nothing in me that said this was gonna be the end of it. So, after days of little sleep and mental anxiety, the word VOTE popped in my head. The next day the Virginia DOC voting block was ignited. When I heard that the Delegate Majority was debating the budget with Governor Youngkin I thought of those votes. I thought of hitting the yard and passing out flyers. I thought about telling everyone around me to get their people to vote. I thought about winning!!! So it was the numbers that permitted debate which brought change. NEVER underestimate the power of votes! Now to those going home

PLEASE stand on business out there so others like myself can follow.

                          Free       (founder)

___________________________________________
              SECOND LOOK PUSH

For those of you that have family members who are active Prison Reform and criminal justice advocates, this is just a quick reminder regarding the upcoming Second Look Recap 2024, and workshop on the next steps moving forward. SIP (Sisters in Prison Reform), Nolef Turns, and the Humanization Project will be conducting this free event June 8, 2024, 1-4pm at the Richmond Public Library- 101 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219. Food, drinks, and some very helpful education will be provided at this event. The event is free, and all are not only welcome but encouraged to attend, but you will need to register ahead of time at the link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJR2b27yaCV6JDRg4jbeOYmqXwEaqvkD02Z5ieTaR4Q5JTQA/viewform?usp=sf_link&usp=embed_facebook As a quick back story; I first began my advocacy journey December 2023 by signing up for a training course regarding Second Look. I had no political background or experience with advocacy or lobbying. However, I did have something in common with each of you. I had someone very dear to me in VADOC, and I wanted to help. From that day on, I continued to learn, I showed up, and I made my voice heard. That’s really all that’s required to advocate for not only your loved ones, but everyone affected by incarceration in Virginia. I’m proud to be donating my time and knowledge to my 40 Strong Family and continuing to build bonds with our other selfless organizations and individuals that are making a difference. Please consider joining in the fight and encouraging your family and friends to do so as well. I hope to see many familiar faces as well as new ones on June 8th. 

Jessica D 40 Strong

____________________________________

Founder Free Speaks Commentary

After almost 3 1/2 years of doing the work, I had no idea how tired I was. I can remember arriving at Greensville almost 2 weeks ago still exuberant from the great news on the victory of EXPANDING EARNED SENTENCE CREDITS. It was a little bit surreal after all of the strategy, networking, events, emails, action calls and everything else over the last two years. Did I ever doubt that we would win---- NOT AT ALL! There's something sobering about men and women being told that they would in fact be reuniting with their families, only to be told a couple weeks prior to that July 2022 date that
they wouldn't be. It was painful and heartbreaking to say the least. However, I used that pain, and those tears to fuel motivation. So, when I arrived here at Greensville I came with the baggage of many sleepless nights and the fatigue of reform. When I laid my head on my pillow the first night here, I slept like I hadn't slept in years! I would do the same the next night, and the next night and nights after that. Now, after almost two weeks here I feel somewhat like myself. It feels like I was in isolation at Lawrenceville almost. With Lawrenceville being privately owned, it was hard to tell what influence 40 Strong was really having in Virginia DOC. It wasn't until I was moved in population that it became crystal clear. I was greeted with so many hugs and smiles from members that it overwhelmed me. I TRULY HAD NO IDEA!!! Nevertheless, I gave hugs and listened to the stories of hope and newfound belief. Then the other day when I heard the nurse call 7 men to sign discharge papers of upcoming releases unbeknownst to them, it was surreal again. Many had release dates next year, or 2026 and even 2028. Their faces said it all! So yes, the hard work was paying off by us and all the organizations and advocates on the ground. This is a pivotal moment in Prison Reform in Virginia. Now, the focus shifts to the fight for Second Look in General Assembly session 25. I still believe and the motivation is there. As I look around Greensville, I see aged faces who've been here for decades begging for the chance for a Second Chance. I see the eyes of men who want to reunite with their families. So, the story continues... I am thankful for this journey and for our close to 2500 members that we give hope. I am humbled to serve and believe that Second Look is next. Let's GO!!!!

Free 40 Strong

_____________________________________________

The WellnessWarriors group- Who we are?

An idea born in 2021 when one of us became more aware of the truth about the conditions our

inside communities faced and a passionate desire to find a way to improve it with tools one

couldn't have taken away, A Warrior Within US Project began a 21-day mindset-reset beta

program, it received positive reviews however soon after- the project was temporarily put on

hold to deal with and handle a re-entry situation, we share that for true transparency because it

was a situation that took another year and a half of focus. So, fall of 2023 excited to pick up

where we left off, we began creating a focus group dedicated to wellness & mindset, with goal of

an inside newsletter and outside workshop. We have grown to a solid diverse group with

members from Virginia, Florida, Missouri, West Virginia and even The Caribbean, our group

includes the formerly incarcerated, a mom with a degree in psychology, A Neurodivergent Yoga

instructor and a few of us with existing wellness geared programs or groups. All passionate

about the betterment of our community's youth to adult both inside and outside those walls. Our

goal here is to provide information, resources, tips and guidance to help improve the mental and

physical health and also one’s mindset. Together, we aim to create a positive impact and

promote overall wellness within correctional facilities and at re-entry to assist in reintegration.

Tools you have within you just waiting to be realized & utilized, Tools that no one can take from you.

Education is empowering! – Wellness Warriors Editorial

To empower yourself in the advocacy of your health care & mental health care with knowledge of common medications is important. Advocating for proper evaluations, checkups and medicine is within your right. Wellness Warriors has provided a general overview of 10 categories of the most commonly used physical & mental health medications prescribed within Correctional facilities, keep in mind some overlap.

Example: •Ability is an antipsychotic, but it is often also used for mood stabilization

•Seroquel- depending on one's physician could be used to treat agitation, mood and also those with sleep or memory disorders

•Gabapentin, though most often used for nerve pain, has been used for moderate general pain, and an anti-seizure therapy and also off label for anxiety.

1. **Antipsychotics**: These medications are used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia/effective, bipolar disorder, and severe depression w/psychotic features. - Risperidone (Risperdal) - Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - Quetiapine (Seroquel) - Aripiprazole (Abilify)

2. **Antidepressants**: These medications are used to treat various types of depression and anxiety disorders and fall under a few categories. The difference matters because some meds are not to be taken with SSRIs or MAOIs. •Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): -Fluoxetine (Prozac) -Sertraline (Zoloft) •Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): -Venlafaxine (Effexor) -Duloxetine (Cymbalta) •Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) -Amitriptyline -Nortriptyline •Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) -Phenelzine (Nardi), -Tranylcypromine (Parate) •Antidepressant/Anti-Anxiety: -Lexapro (increases serotonin)

3. **Mood Stabilizers**: These medications are primarily used to treat bipolar/mood disorder. - Lithium - Valproate (Depakote) - Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 4. **Anxiolytics** These medications are used to treat anxiety disorders. •Benzodiazepines: -Lorazepam (Ativan) -Alprazolam (Xanax) - Buspirone (Buspar)

5. **Pain relievers/Analgesics** -Gabapentin (Neurontin) -hydrocodone (Vicodin) -oxycodone (Percocet) •Anti-inflammatory (Arthritis, Injury etc.) - Naproxen (This could be prescription or over the counter as Aleve) - Ibuprofen (both prescription strength 600&800mg or over the counter 200mg)

6.**Antihypertensives** Medications that help lower high blood pressure. -Lisinopril -Amlodipine 7. **Antidiabetic drugs** Medications used to manage diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. - Metformin (type 2 diabetics) -Insulin (type 1 and 2 diabetics)

8.**Anticonvulsants** Drugs that help control seizures in conditions like epilepsy. -Neurontin (gabapentin) -Phenytoin

9.**Antacids** Medications that help reduce stomach acid and treat digestive issues. -Nexium -Prilosec

10.**Antibiotics** Drugs that help fight bacterial infections. -Amoxicillin -Penicillin -Doxycycline -Clindamycin Some side effects to the different meds above are weight gain, upset stomach, excessive sleepiness, brain fog/memory issues, digestive issues, rapid movements and more please make sure to report any adverse effects to your nurse/physician, Helpful definition: Serotonin's a brain chemical that affects mood and emotions, influencing feelings of well-being. Imbalances can lead to conditions like depression and anxiety, treated with medications that increase serotonin levels. We hope this helps empower you in navigating and advocating your healthcare, if there's another medicine you need information on, please let us know. ______________________________________________
               IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Chesapeake Law Library
298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Va. 23322
757-382-8301

Va. Appeal Court
Clerk John Vollino
109 N. 8th Street
Rich., Va. 23219
804-786-5651

Alexandria Law Library
530 King Street LL34
Alex.  Va. 22314
703-746-4077
Library of Congress
Dr. Carla Hayden appointed by Pres. Obama
101 Independence Ave, SE
Wash., DC 20540
202-707-5000 or 8000

VA. DOC ADA
Barry. Marano@vadoc.virginia.gov
6900 Atmore Drive
Rich., Va. 23225
804-763-9960

DOJ ADA
US Dept. of Justice
Disability Rights Section
950 Penn. Ave NW
Wash., DC 20530
800-514-0301

VA DOC Ombudsman (s)
1100 H Street NW
Wash., DC 20005
202-506-3333
VDSS OCR Office
 ______________________________________________

REENTRY PROGRAM PROVIDERS

Colonial Comm. Corr. Transitional Services

4093 Ironbound Rd., Suite B

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: (757) 564-2311, FAX: (757) 229-8963

Email: hal.diggs@jamescitycountyva.gov

Northern Neck Reg. Jail Reentry &

Transition Services

P.O. Box 1090

Warsaw, VA 22572

Phone: (804) 333-6005; Fax: (804) 333-6029

email: awalker@nnrj.state.va.us

jsegar@nnrj.state.va.us

Northwestern Regional Adult Detention

Center

143 Fort Collier Road

Winchester, VA 22603

Phone:(540) 535-3851, Fax: 540-524-6192

Email: jwhitley@fcva.us

krodri@fcva.us

OAR-Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church

1400 N. Uhle Street, Suite 704

Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (703) 228-7030; Fax: (703) 228-3981

email: ejones@oaronline.org

ksteinbruck@oaronline.org

OAR-Fairfax

10640 Page Avenue, Suite 250

Fairfax, VA 22030-4015

Phone: (703) 246-3033; Fax: (703) 273-7554

Email: doverton@oarnova.org

dhayden@oarnova.org

OAR-Jefferson Area

750 Harris St., Suite 207

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Phone: (434) 296-2441; Fax: (434) 979-4038

email: psmith@oar-jacc.org

rcarew@oar-jacc.org

gspry@oar-jacc.org

OAR-Richmond

3111 West Clay Street

Richmond, VA 23230

Phone: (804) 643-2746; Fax: (804) 643-1187

email: sdimick@oarric.org

website: http://www.oarric.org/

STEP-UP, Inc.

5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 102

Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone: (757) 588-3151; Fax: (757) 587-4507

Email: sbrandt@stepupincorporated.org

Virginia CARES, Inc.

108 Henry St., NW, 3rd floor

Roanoke, VA 24016

Phone: (540) 342-9344; Fax: (540) 342-9427

Email: afisher@vacares.org

Arlington – SCA Community Reentry Program

Offender Aid & Restoration of Arlington

Elizabeth Jones Valderrama

(703) 228-7441

Statewide – VADOC Career Employment Reentry Project

Cleon Ross

(804) 887-8344

Richmond – Enhanced Vocational Training, Career Planning and Job Placement Program

Bart Blanks

(804) 646-5438

Local – Community Based Re-entry – WOMEN

Jennifer Jacovitch

(540) 434-1690

Local – Comprehensive Corrections TTA

Hank Heflin

hheflin@air.org

Virginia’s Reentry Portal: https://virginiareentry.org/

Virginia Reentry Resources: https://www.reentryessentials.org/virginia.html

Virginia Reentry Programs: https://www.felonyrecordhub.com/programs/virginia-reentry-programs/

Virginia Reentry and Assistance: https://exoffenders.net/reentry-programs-assistance/virginia/

Virginia Career Works – Northern Region - https://vcwnorthern.com/jobseekers/reentry-resources/

Tap Into Hope - https://tapintohope.org/program/reentry-program/

Loudon County - https://www.loudoun.gov/4929/Re-Entry-Services

Norfolk Reentry Council - https://www.norfolk.gov/3508/Prisoner-Re-Entry-Council

Medicaid and CHIP in Virginia - https://www.medicaid.gov/state-overviews/stateprofile.html?state=virginia

In Closing......

PLEASE share all the info in the newsletter especially the REENTRY and Second Look details. PLEASE have someone show up June 8th at The Richmond public library as the push for Second Look 2025. The key to our continued success is Truth, Accountability, and Actions.  What we do from here will affect our progress at the 2025 General Assembly. We only have 7 months so PLEASE BE ON POINT! Go home and reconnect with life and its simplicity. DO NOT forget the pain, disappointments, and frustration on Incarceration.  Our next stop is Second Look, and we all have to Stand on Business! We are happy to announce that Nairobi X has launched a women's website for the movement titled

                     Hear Her Voice.Blog

 PLEASE have your mothers, wives, daughters, nieces etc... support the women's voices that are the backbone of the movement. We are now over 2500 members and growing! If you are going home Love your family, enhance your community and give back! You'll never imagine the joy of giving back until you feel it. Let's keep pushing and moving forward in Progress!

Chris 40 S
The40strong@gmail.com
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook

Kirsten Knights
Personal Advocate & Director of Education
The 40 Strong
Jessica Davis Personal advocate & Chapter Leader The 40 Strong

  

 April Newsletter update!

The state’s parole board, which has the authority to grant, deny and revoke parole and other powers, can have up to five members but currently only has four members.

West told 8News she’s looking forward to having a full parole board and hopes to bring stability to it, acknowledging that there is a current “backlog” because it was down to three members and saying it has been “kind of a mess.”

These are the current Parole Board members according to the Parole Board website and reports.

Honorable Judge Patricia West, Chairman
Lloyd Banks, Vice-Chairman
Michelle Dermyer, Member
Samuel L. Boone Jr., Member
___________________________________________
40 Strong T Shirt Spring Sale!!!

PLEASE support the organization by purchasing our Limited Edition Anniversary
T shirts. Please have your family reach out to us to buy a t-shirt all proceeds being used for the newsletter and upcoming events. Here is our cash app information and PO box. If they order by cash app please tell them to put the size, name, and address on the FOR line. All shirts are $20 + $2.50 shipping. Thanks for the support!!!!
Cash App: 40Strongdonations
Forty Strong pops up

The 40 Strong
P.O. box 6731
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323

* We will be starting the 40 strong clothing on our website coming in May
__________________________________________
News You Can Use

Patricia West is the current chair of the Virginia Parole Board. West is a former judge and state director of juvenile justice. You can contact her by email at patricia.west@vpb.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 674-3081

Organizations to Assist Your Kids

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
A nationwide program that gives Christmas gifts to children in the name of incarcerated parents, and also sends children to summer camp and hosts sports camps. Local church volunteers usually purchase and deliver gifts.
*44180 Riverside Pkwy, Lansdowne, VA 20176

Milk and Cookies Children's Program
A free program that serves residents of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Dinwiddie counties in Virginia.
*804-643-2401

OAR Collecting Toys for Children of Incarcerated Parents
A program that allows people to purchase gifts for teens via OAR's Amazon wish list, or purchase gift cards and drop them off at OAR's office. OAR also sets up toy donation boxes at businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations during October.
*1400 N Uhle St UNIT 704, Arlington, VA 22201

Re-Entry Services

*Phone: 540-342.9344
Email: jcarter@vacares.org
Fax: 540-342-9427

Mailing Address:
Virginia CARES, Inc.
P.O. Box 13206
Roanoke, VA 24032-3206
Physical Office Location:
Virginia CARES, Inc.
108 Henry St. NW
Third Floor
Roanoke, VA 24016

*Total Action for Progress
302 2nd Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

540.777.HOPE

_______________________________________________

In Closing......

We would like to thank you again for reading on April newsletter and we hope that it was information that you needed. Please don't forget our Facebook live next Thursday April 11th at 7:30 p.m. please have your family go to our Facebook at: TheForty Strong

Please don't forget the Inthrive Film Festival on April 14th at George Mason University please have your family email us if they would like tickets. We will be notified all of our facility leaders that were chosen on April 15th and please continue to progress. We all know that the days are not easy dealing with, but you have control of the narrative and you have control of what happens next. Please stay inspired and we leave you with kindness.

Angela 40 S.
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com

The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

 Greetings Members, Families, and Friends,

We hope that you are doing well. The 40 Strong is here reporting to you live from Advocacy Life. I would say that this General Assembly session was one of mixed emotions with a few exhilarating moments.
The Wins for Ending Solitary Confinement was a peak because we know the fight that Kimberly Jenkins -Snodgrass and Natasha White have put out year after year. So there's really no way to measure all the energy and time that it takes to do advocacy. With that said we would like to say thank you to Sisters in Prison Reform,
The Humanization Project, ACLU Richmond, NOLEFTURNS, FAMM, Virginia Justice Alliance, RIHD, The Life Unit, and so many other organizations and advocates who pushed hard this year. When I say that we were United--- it was on a level that was not experienced in previous years. So yes, we were all disappointed at the abrupt end of
Second Look, but we also agreed that the bill as it stood was not a FAIR vehicle to a second chance. We agree that the victim and the Commonwealth Attorney should have a voice in the second look process, but we also believe that the judge should have the discretion to make the final judgment on if one deserves a second chance. So even though it wasn't the result that we all wanted, we will be ready January of 2025 to finish the job! The full consensus from all organizations that we spoke to and the Delegates themselves, is that this was the most Impactful General Assembly session ever for the Virginia Reform Community. We are also excited that we will have three more years with the current majority in the House and Senate. Also know that we will be pushing accountability to the Dems who we co-signed to vote for to get change. We are however compassionate to the fact that many newly elected leaders from November were entering their first general assembly session unseasoned. That means we will be reaching out to them throughout the year to continue building those relationships, and to express why Second Chances are so important to the moral fabric of Virginia. So yeah this is a tough job and I know you guys have many expectations of us, but all we can do is give 100% and represent you guys with integrity. We have told the truth when it was needed while also challenging DOC to get better--- so you know where we stand. The key now is to continue getting your families involved, and please act on all of our upcoming newsletters. That means that if your family lives in Portsmouth and their delegate office is in Portsmouth, we're going to need them to stop by there and have a 10-minute meeting to have their voice heard this year. The real work starts TODAY--- we can't wait until November and December to start talking about reform. So the groundwork has been laid, and now it's on our you to continue elevating and creating through action the second chance that you desire. With that said, I want to share the letter that Attorney General Jason Miyares sent to the House of Delegates just days before Second Look and Earned Sentence Credits was scheduled to be heard in committee. You better bet that that letter made an impact on the minds of delegates, but this is the business of advocacy and how quick it can change. I'm sending this letter to you so that you can see exactly what was said and why we have to change the narrative. I want this to motivate you to be better and to understand that once you are released anything you do could affect thousands of other people seeking that second chance. We do not agree with all the numbers in his letter, and the ACLU responded and those numbers are being verified. But numbers aside, it's time to get to work! If we send you information you have to send it to your family and friends. If you're on the power phone all day you have to tell them to get involved by going to The40Strong.com As hard as it is sometimes to be optimistic ,vit is imperative that everyone stays focused and eyes forward on the future. With that said, stay optimistic because change is coming!
_________________________________________

E NEWS
Attorney General Miyares Calls for Reevaluation of Sentence Reductions for Violent Offenders Due to Public Safety ConcernsPublished 1 week ago on February 27, 2024By Royal Examiner
RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares has formally addressed the Virginia General Assembly, advocating for the retention of limitations on the enhanced earned sentence credit law. This law currently allows for the possibility of sentence reductions for violent offenders. Through a letter directed to both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, Attorney General Miyares expressed significant public safety concerns and highlighted the potential financial impact of continuing to allow sentence reductions under this law.

In 2020, Virginia expanded its earned sentence credit program, enabling certain inmates to receive sentence reductions. However, data since the expansion has illuminated potential risks associated with the program, particularly concerning recidivism among violent offenders. The Attorney General pointed to alarming statistics that underscore the danger these individuals could pose upon early release:

A notable increase in recidivism rates among inmates released under the enhanced earned sentence credits compared to those under the original program.
In 2023 alone, 2,725 offenders released through the program were arrested for new crimes, including severe offenses such as capital murder, first and second-degree murder, abduction, and sexual assault.
A significant portion of these offenders were previously identified as high risks for both general and violent recidivism.
Attorney General Miyares supports the Governor’s proposed budget amendment (item 390 R.2.), aiming to maintain restrictions on sentence reductions for individuals convicted of violent crimes. He emphasized the crucial balance between ensuring justice for past and future victims and maintaining public safety.

The proposed continuation of restrictions comes as a temporary measure in the current budget, preventing sentence reductions for offenders convicted of both violent and nonviolent offenses in the same act, nears its expiration on July 1, 2024. Without further legislative action, an estimated 8,300 offenders could become eligible for reduced sentences, with the overwhelming majority having been convicted of violent felonies.

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Welcoming Our Director of Litigation

We are happy to announce that we are adding Abdul Akbar as our director of litigation. Mr Akbar is very knowledgeable of the law and process of said law, and we want to support him and assistant our members. If you are in the stage of litigation or need advice on moving forward on possible litigation, please direct your email to director of litigation Akbar, and he will work through your requests. We are firm believers and knowledge regarding anything that we do and it's important that we extend that to you as well. Big Respects to Director of Litigation Abdul Akbar!!

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Special Shout To 40 Strong Ladies

I've been very impressed with the Unity and growth of our lady members. When we put out the call for College Guild leaders the ladies were ready. So Big Respects ladies for Standing Tall.
Angela -----
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Inthrive Film Festival Tickets & Submissions

Thank everyone who've submitted poetry so far. We are very impressed with the talent in our members. Please let your families know that FREE TICKETS are now available if they email us at the40strong@gmail.com
Everyone who's art or poetry that's included in the Film Festival will receive a letter of acknowledgement and contribution. The Deadline for submissions is March 15th.
*Please have your families to come out we'll have a section and are collaborating with the Humanization Project on a presentation.

Inthrive Film Festival
April 14 12,pm-5pm

George Mason University
VanMetre Auditorium
Mason Square
3351 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22201

________________________________________
40 Strong Mail

When sending us mail please be patient and understanding with response time. Please do not send us 4-5 pages of reading about things more appropriate for a lawyer. We are not Attorneys and cannot provide lawyer recommendations. PLEASE ALSO UTILIZE THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE: Counselor,
Court Legal, Law Library, etc.... We will try our best to assist but things we don't know we will not speak on. Please keep requests to 2-3 paragraphs cause our time of responsibilities is tight. Thank You----
Director of Education Kirsten
Director of Litigation Abdul
Director of Communication Chris
Director of 40 Strong Women Nairobi
Director of Community Events Angela
_________________________________________
Call For Facility Leaders

We are hiring our first 10 facility Leaders and this is a monthly job with pay. If you believe that you could be a 40 Strong facility leader, please send us your name, facility, programs completed, and 250 words or less " why you would be a good facility leader. Some of the responsibilities of a facility leader would be: #1 Be a Positive voice and presence in representation of The 40 Strong. #2 Receive Important updates and get that info fluidly ( getting copies/word of mouth) to other members at your facility. #3 Create Fundraisers and Other positive bridges to society that we can support and help plan. All Submissions for Facility Leaders must be received by April 3, 2024
* As I said this position will pay but we want your best foot forward.
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College Guild Success & Thanks

Opportunities for Change Update with Kirsten

Happy March! I want to thank everyone that came back with such enthusiasm regarding the rollout pilot College Guild 40 Strong Study Club program. I have made a list of all those interested, and your respective facilities. At this stage, we have started the rollout in 3 facilities - including one womens' facility.

This is not to say that we won't expand. Right now, we are funding and running this from a grassroots level, and we need to make sure we get it right and effective before going wide. These facilities will be the case studies we put forward when going wide, and pitching our case for grants and support. So please don't be disheartened if I haven't been in contact in reply to your expression of interest.

For those that are located in Red Onion, Pocahontas, or State Farm Womens', there are study groups in those three facilities - so if you are interested in participating in the study group, please let me know and we can put you in touch with the group leaders in those facilities.

This is a really exciting program, and I am dedicated to making sure that as many of you can access this as possible. It is imperative to us as an organization, and myself, that we are able to provide opportunities for growth to those that yearn for it - without all the hoops that you currently have to jump through. These programs are self paced, free, and fully supported by us. This is the way we want to keep it.

Change is happening - I promise you that. And I am always humbled and filled with joy at the level of interaction and support from our beautiful family. Please keep communicating, sharing information, and most importantly, maintaining faith. We never lose sight of what it is we are fighting for, and you aren't forgotten. Every step we take is informed and implemented, with you all at the forefront.

--
Kirsten
Personal Advocate & Director of Education
The 40 Strong
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Free Speaks.....

The cost of freedom is high. The fear of the unknown even greater. Let's be real for a moment; we are trying to tell people who have no connection to OUR plight WHO WE ARE! We believe in our HEART OF HEARTS that we can return to society and do great things. Many of us are already doing great things and it goes unnoticed. So as we scream IM READY it's still a fractured message to someone who can't imagine your bad decision, past, trauma, addiction, wrong place wrong time, actually innocent etc... reality. Each story is different and The 40 Strong strives to share your stories. Tell your families to go on our Facebook our stories are there. If the go to the website Words From Inside is there. People hear us! The key now is stepping up the Good noise and REACH HIGHER! You still playing follow the leader or you STANDING as a man or woman? Give up?? Who would say something so foolish? For if one would give up on their life their soul is already gone! God blessed you with LIFE and quit was not in that handbook. If I said I was writing this with tears on my face would you understand? Does that make me less of a man or does it show what MY life means to me? Many would never understand the burden of leadership and how great the wins feel and how bitter heartbreaking are the losses. One thing I can say is that the 40 Strong will not be quitting. The WINS from this General Assembly ARE BIG! History was set on many fronts and all the delegates and Senators know the 40 Strong name. The 40 Strong families came from all over on a 28° day. Whenever we had action alerts countless people all over the country called, emailed, and spoke. The work by all the organizations including our very own Angela, Nairobi, Kirsten, Chris, Nasir, and families was AMAZING! I'm not giving up on that. This was the first year for this new majority. Second Look was not just defeated embarrassingly ---- it crossed over and was entering it's final stages---- so why we quitting? The wins of Ending Solitary, Oversight, Earned Sentence Credits for jail time, Free Phone Calls ( or reduced prices) and so much more! The Delegates said they were impressed by the reform community and we quitting??? I say we get better---- more organized and more accountable. Did you write Governor Youngkin and Delegate Don Scott about your change? Did you get your family to attend the General Assembly? Have you gotten your friends and family to volunteer with us? Have you donated $5 to the 40 Strong or any of the other great organizations? Because from where I'm sitting 1600 stamps once or twice a month is real! So have you given 100%? Have you signed up for programs? Created a program? Are we getting better for the freedom we want. So many people were mad by Attorney General Miyares decision to release a letter to the Delegates days before Second Look and Earned Sentence Credits went to Committee with steam ----
I ask why? His title is the Attorney General that means he's the head law enforcement officer in Virginia ---- he's protecting his interest. As disappointing as that was we can only get better. Let's do facility fundraising this year. Let's do College Guild and sign up for College. Get your family more involved because the 2025 session is less than 10 months away. How much time is 10 minutes??? We're all doing time so we know that value of time. Now ask yourself....
" Is my life worth 10 months of fighting and getting better? " Of course it is! So if you wanna quit please delete the 40 Strong from JPay. If you are in and know your life is worth it ----- Let's Go!
Free----24'
__________________________________________ 40 Strong Atlanta and DC

We are happy to announce growth in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington DC uniting with Virginia. Christopher Willars of Atlanta and Keith Robinson of Washington DC we are thankful. The vision is always the same;
Second Chances, Education, and Progress
_________________________________________

Greetings Forty Strong family,

As some of you are aware already, AFOI (assisting families of inmates) began their annual quarterly transportation services this past Saturday. I utilized their services for the first time to visit a loved one at Pocahontas State Correctional Center and highly recommend them; and will use them in the future.

They provide a variety of services to families with an incarcerated loved one. These include quarterly transportation to visit each of our state facilities (in the months of March, June, September and December) . They also help with video visitation for those without access to high speed internet; and various other services for children with incarcerated parents.

The process was very simple for setting up transportation with them. Contact them at their website www.afoi.org and send them your contact information to request an intake appointment; or call (804) 643-2401. The intake appointment is over the phone and takes 15 minutes or less. They will give you your AFOI member number and let you know when the next trip to visit your loved one is. Call back or visit their website at that time and reserve your spot . (You must already be registered as a visitor with VADOC) . The cost is $10 for adults and free for minors. They provide a grab and go breakfast before leaving Richmond and dinner upon your return. They also schedule your visit, so you can skip the process through GTL. And the best part of all is you’re allowed a 4 hour visitation with your loved one when going with AFOI. They are non profit and run off donations and fund raising events throughout the year. I highly recommend both utilizing their services and helping fund them if you’re in a position to do so. They are a wonderful group and provide many opportunities to keep families connected as we navigate through these hardships of not having our loved ones home with us.

Jessica Davis
Forty Strong Chapter Leader
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The40Strong.com Website Update

We are happy to announce that the website has been updated. Please have your family and friends visit the website to get all info, coming events and a Legislator contact list
___________________________________________
In Closing.....

We want to thank everyone for the support and let's keep moving forward. Our April newsletter will have initiatives and a plan for what's next. In the meantime keep your head up and focused on the prize. I leave you with this saying, " many can talk about the fight outside the ring, but only the brave will step in the ring to fight!" Our best to you

Chris 40 S.
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

 February 28, 2024

Greetings Members, Families, and Friends!
We hope that you are doing well. We've now entered the hallway point of the 2024 General Assembly Session. It has been agreed on by many Advocates and organizations that this so far has been the most successful General Assembly session ever for Prison Reform. As you well may know, we stay inspired but we are never satisfied! There were certain qualifiers attached to Second Look but it did not disqualify anyone. These qualifiers are increased times of 20 or 25 years for certain crimes. We do not know which crimes require more time to be served so please be patient as we follow everything down to the end of the session. We having clothes a Midway point wrap up summary to help you understand more. The term" Crossover " simply means that bills that were either in the house or Senate that were successful, well now go to the other chamber for the final steps to either pass as law and head to Governor Youngkins desk, or not be passed into law. So we would love to predict the future but we refuse to lie to our members. So please stay patient and wants the general assembly concludes with all info that you need we will put that in the next newsletter. The good news is Our Members and Families made a difference at the 2024 session. The even better news is we still have three more sessions 2025, 2026, and 2027 with this NEW MAJORITY that is willing to make change. This year was a little bit rushed with all of the new delegates and Senators that were just elected in November, but that leaves us the rest of this year to educate them on why BIG changes are needed in 2025.__________________________________Old Law Parole Update
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Days after moving to block Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s pick to lead the Virginia Parole Board, Senate Democrats reversed course and confirmed her appointment.On Feb. 5, the Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate moved to reject a Democrat-led Senate committee’s decision from Jan. 30 to remove Patricia West’s appointment as Virginia Parole Board chair from a joint resolution with several of Youngkin’s appointees to key state posts.
West said that she felt Democrats were initially hesitant about her nomination because they were unfamiliar with her, telling 8News that she met with leaders to introduce herself. This included discussions with Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax) and House Speaker Don L. Scott Jr. (D-Portsmouth), she said.
“Once I was able to talk to them and tell them about myself, I think that’s what changed their minds,” West told 8News in an interview.
READ MORE: Senate Democrats move to block Youngkin’s pick for Virginia Parole Board chairWest told 8News she believes Democrats were able to assess her thoughts on parole and trusted her when she said that she was going to be “fair” with her parole decisions, a view she said she also expressed to Youngkin before taking over the role last September.
Youngkin appointed West, a former Virginia Beach circuit court judge, as parole board chair after the former chair, Chadwick Dotson, took over as the director of the Virginia Department of Corrections.
The state’s parole board , which has the authority to grant, deny and revoke parole and other powers, can have up to five members but currently only has four members.
West told 8News she’s looking forward to having a full parole board and hopes to bring stability to it, acknowledging that there is a current “backlog” because it was down to three members and saying it has been “kind of a mess.
West was a judge on the State Corporation Commission after serving as secretary of public safety under former Gov. George Allen (R) and as a chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R).
She was also an associate dean and law and government professor at Regent University, a private Christian university in Virginia Beach.
When she was picked to be a State Corporation Commission judge, Virginia Democrats labeled her “ a conspiracy theorist ,” claiming then that she has “a long history of endorsing and promoting far-right, sexist, Islamophobic conspiracy theories.”
The initial move to remove West’s name came after Senate Democrats blocked high-profile Youngkin appointees last year . A spokesperson for Senate Democrats did not respond to a request for comment for this story by publication.
*This does show that Democrats challenged Ms. West's confirmation and she spoke with high ranking Dems expressing her vision for the 2024 Parole Board. All we can do now is look for accountability by way of FAIR Parole Hearings. We've been fighting for this and will follow it through._
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40 Strong Members Opportunity!!!!!
We are currently on the planning team for the In thrive Film Festival in April. We are looking for poetry submissions through JPay or you can have your family record your poem over the phone and record it. Please speak on your experience incarcerated, life, family, or how you feel. If your problem is selected to be read at the film festival you will receive a monetary contribution and letter of involvement. Please have your families send the recordings to our email: the40strong@gmail.com
We're also looking for original artwork done in pen, pencil, or color. All artwork can be sent to our PO box: The 40 Strong p.o. box 6731 Chesapeake Virginia 23323
All Submissions Deadline March 21st!!!!!!!
Inthrive Film festivalApril 14, 2024 12pm-5pm
George Mason University4400 University DriveFairfax, Virginia 22030
*Please let your families know about the film festival as we are trying to fill it up!!!! We're also looking at the possibility of having family members read The poetry entries._________________________________________Lawrenceville OpportunityWe are very aware of the opportunity for parole eligible and military veterans to be transferred to Lawrenceville. We are currently trying to be a part of the initiative with our mentors and members plan an important role. We will find out more information on this and let you guys know in the next newsletter.____________________________________LIST & FIT Programs Homework
We were contacted by a few members about their facility being on lock in regards to homework. We are extending the homework deadline to 2 weeks when receiving LIST or FIT out of consideration for facility lockdowns and kiosk problems._________________________________________40 Strong LIVE and Podcast
We are currently looking to have LIVE interviews with our members to discuss second chances and the current conditions in DOC. This could be started as soon as March and we will be looking for members to interview live from our Facebook as a way to edify the voices that are not being heard.* We are already posting many of your Jpay emails on our page so please have your family's follow: TheForty Strong (Facebook)_________________________________________The Forty Strong College Guild Club


IMPORTANT UPDATE AND OPPORTUNITY!!!!!


We are excited to announce that following an incredibly productive meeting with College Guild, Kirsten and Chris were able to facilitate an ongoing partnership that would mean more opportunities for our members in terms of leadership and learning.
We are looking at facilitating study groups in 2-3 facilities as a test initiative, in which we are looking for volunteer group mentors who can encourage learning, answer questions, lead others, and have thought provoking conversations as a method of group study. Our students will be expected to try their best to respond and submit all assignments, and our mentors will be expected to treat fellow students with respect and provide constructive feedback.
We will provide all learnings materials to those enrolled in the study groups, and the study group leader would be our main point of contact.
What does this mean for you? If you are interested in being a study group leader in your pod/facility – reach out to us, and we can engage in conversation around what this might look like. Have conversations with those around you and engage others with a passion for further learning. Programs like these can help when being assessed for Second Look petitions, and we would be prepared to write supporting statements of your mentoring and leadership efforts.
We would be looking at running two courses to begin with, these would be Creative Language (a writing and creative focused course) and U.S. Education which breaks down the education system in America with the pros and cons and how you can benefit from it.
Upon completion of courses, each participant will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in the course. Reminder – these courses are NOT accredited, but provide accessibility and equity in application, are completely free, and are accessible for all individuals. Our mission here is to encourage learning, promote rehabilitation and re-entry, prepare individuals for successful and meaningful relationships, and foster positive social relationships through collaboration.
Following this trial, we want to expand this into other facilities through partnership with the DOC and your help in these study groups will provide a positive case study to present to decision makers.
*We are looking at compensating our group leaders with money, stamps, media credits, or even gifts out the 40 Strong Gift Shop. We always like to support our members! PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE GROUP LEADER. PLEASE STATE YOUR FACILITY. WE NEED GOOD COMMUNICATORS AND THOSE WHO CAN MAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY WORK!
Courses Available: Creative Writing/U.S. Education
___________________________________________Crossover Conclusion:
Mostly Sunny with Scattered Frustrations
Great Progress Across Justice Reform

The bills that we have worked most devotedly on and that our community has been tracking most closely have been largely successful so far, albeit with some nuance and frustration.,
Second Look (HB834/SB427) would provide the first real opportunity for those who have earned it after decades to have their lengthy sentences reviewed by the courts. Amounting to systemic change that a JLARC study recently found would have huge impacts in fighting discriminatory sentencing patterns, we are extremely proud to have seen the Senate clear HB427 without any carve outs. At the same time, we recognize that adding unwanted limitations to get it that far and having the House version fail to make the floor are not quite where we hoped to be. Still, progress has been made and the bill moves forward.
We are absolutely thrilled about the overwhelmingly bipartisan support for the DOC Oversight/Ombudsman bill (HB555/SB456), which cleared the House 98-0 and Senate 38-2. The Governor already has it in his budget, so we foresee a law. That alone would be justice reform progress for the year, given the 25,000 families impacted everyday by the lack of transparency in DOC historically. Better yet, VADOC Director Chadwick Dotson has repeatedly signaled his support, a sign of improved leadership, too.
The bills to end extended solitary confinement (and improve safety, rehabilitation, and accountability when it is used, HB1244/SB719) have both cleared their respective chambers, and they did so remarkably close to how they were originally written. Please stay tuned to help us push for the Governor’s signature to end the torture of putting people alone in boxes for months and years when they are in crisis.
No Cost Prison Communications (HB801/SB378) managed to pass the House yesterday, albeit in a slimmed down form that would make the communications cheaper and eliminate profiteering. Not quite no cost, and we’re working to ensure full access in the meantime, but already progress that Delegate Rasoul and our coalition promise to continue.
Helping cement Delegate Seibold’s status as a beloved advocate for our community, bipartisan votes pushed her justice bills across the House finish line. Providing appropriate earned sentence credits for pretrial time at jails (HB45) passed 59-39, severely restricting canine attacks in DOC (HB159) passed 82-15, and providing safe harbor for reporting overdoses inside (HB161) went through 63-34. With less fanfare than others, these bills would reunite families, avoid often-racialized physical and psychological trauma, and save lives.
We have succeeded in pushing back against and killing a bunch of bad bills, including those to allow incarceration for initial technical violations during probation (HB849) and to permanently disqualify “mixed” and “inchoate” (incomplete acts, such as attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy) convictions (SB476), ensuring that past reforms that work have been kept in place. We have also watched and provided whatever assistance we could as our allies passed an enormous number of justice reform bills through at least one chamber. Thus, it has been one of our most successful first halves. A lot of these haven’t gotten the fanfare they deserve as they stand to make a big difference in real lives.
Pretrial, we are most especially excited about drug policy reform moving forward. The option of treating small possession cases as misdemeanors instead of felonies is great policy, reducing harms from criminalizing addiction and experimentation. Likewise, increasing eligibility for first offense drug programs (HB452) will keep people out of the system.
In the reentry space, there has been great success finding (often bipartisan) practical solutions to reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration. Forcing jails and prisons to set up systems for facilitating IDs upon emergence (HB1405) is an often overlooked but hugely impactful change that Delegates Cousins and Walker worked on across the aisle. Can’t get housing or a job without ID, and the initial time back in a community is so crucial. Eliminating fines and fees assessed on juveniles (HB 1263) will stop pushing our most vulnerable youth away from education and saddling them with debt upon release from any incarceration. Putting a time limit of 10 years on collecting fines and fees will stop putting unnecessary stressors that drive people towards addiction and recidivism when already emerging with the burden of a record (SB514).
It's also hugely important to see that we are moving towards a probation system that has a system of credits for education, employment, and treatment (HB457), letting folks earn their way off supervision sooner as a reward for growth. Making it possible for some people in the Department of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse to hire those with lived experience despite barrier crimes from long ago (SB626) will help improve peer recovery outcomes in all our communities hard hit by addiction.
Keep in mind: All of these are legislative successes. To make them law, we have to also convince the governor to sign them. Could not realistically do much better than we did so far, but we still have steps before these great bills are statute._________________________________________Second Look Truths
As you all may know, we have been big supporters of second look and the possibilities for Second Chances. We are concerned about the new changes which allow the victim to deny a petition as well as the prosecutor if they fail to respond or write a letter against the petitioner receiving Second Look. With that said we are not getting bitter we are getting better! The next General Assembly session starts in about 10 months and there's no time to waste. If second look is passed as it is I do encourage everyone that it applies to to pursue your freedom. No bill will be perfect but if it presents an opportunity for you please apply it.__________________________________________2025 Good Time Initiative
In light of the adjustments made to Second Look we are already beginning our 2025 campaign for Good Time. If it was up to us we would be going for the 1995 abolishment of good time to be repealed, but it seems like things have a way of moving too slow. So with that being said, we are in full belief that if a person serves 365 days doing right, then they should get more than 55 days a year of good time. We have spoken to many lawmakers, churches, etc... And nobody thinks that this is right. If you serve 31 days you should get more than 4 days of good time. For those who don't have Earned Sentence Credit, Parole eligibility, or any other vehicle for second chances they need help. So get ready and be ready--- get your families ready, for it will take all of us to get change that's needed!* For us to really be successful you have to tell your families to prepare to make calls and emails. We'll also need families to visit their District lawmakers to express the need for change in 2025. So PLEASE be prepared for action and upcoming newsletters.___________________________________________* This is a letter that Angela recently sent all the delegates and senators that we supported. Just letting you know that we are working and pushing.
February 15, 2024
Greetings and Kindness,
Hoping everyone is well. Our organization sincerely thanks everyone who's worked so hard up to this Crossover point to better the Commonwealth. With Prison Reform being our vision and focus we've been encouraged and filled with anxiety at different points. A Round of Applause for the great work to End Solitary Confinement. In matters of Second Chances we still feel unheard in many ways. If a mistake was made, contrition in remorse expressed, and rehabilitation successful, there should be second chances.
The reality says that 1,000's and 1,000's of men and women are in Virginia DOC seeking hope! Many of these men and women have been infraction free for years, graduated, accomplished programs, and so much more. However they ONLY EARN 4 DAYS of good time a month----- 4 DAYS!!!I will never pretend to be a math specialist but that reality just doesn't sit right in my spirit. Does Second Chances lie in the moral defeat of 4 Days a month?
When we encouraged the men and women of doc to get their 25,000 families to vote, it was with promises of change. We had events all over Virginia echoing this promise right up until the November 7th election day. They showed up! Now I'm praying we can keep our part of that promise. Virginia NEEDS A REAL SECOND LOOK. Virginia needs a FAIR good time system, fair parole hearings, and fair justice. This letter officially kicks off our 2025 Initiative forF. A. I. R.Fair Accountable Invested Rehabilitation We will be seeking a fair good time system and REAL change for the 25,000 families missing a loved one.___________________________________________In Closing
Tell your family to Follow us on Facebook at The Forty Strong Please have them support the website at: The40Strong.com the last thing is when you're going to commissary make sure that you order 5 to 10 stamps because we will be doing a lot of letter writing in the near future. Tell those around you to buy stamps because getting real change is going to take some work. Thank everyone for reading the newsletter and please stay inspired because change is coming!

Chris 40 S.The40Strong.comTheForty Strong@Facebook.comthe40strong@gmail.com
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com .

   November 27, 2023

Greetings Members, Families and Friends,

    Sending everyone great energy and positive vibes. We hope that the holiday were well for you and your family. We also want to thank everyone who has been pushing with us and supporting the movement and words, action, or deeds. As we've always said, it's all about UNITY when it comes to change. That's why we've always saluted other great organizations like RIHD, Justice Blacksburg, ACLU Richmond, The Humanization Project, Sistas In Prison Reform, The Defenders, The Unity Group, Justice Alliance, Voice of the Voiceless, Freedom Over Everything, NoLefTurns, Virginia Prisons Accountability,Incarcerated Lives Matter Virginia foundation, Virginia Coalition of Solitary Confinement,  Ketchmore Kids, P.E.A.C.E., Natasha White, Paul Taylor, Chenoa Young, Angela Antoine,  and anyone I forgot please forgive me... The point being, there are many organizations in great people who are fighting this fight. Many are returning citizens and many are just average American citizens who disagree with how the criminal justice system works. So the 40 strong and all of our members give them thanks and big salutes!!! ___________________________________________    Humanization Project Town Hall
The Humanization Project is having a town hall on the upcoming General Assembly focus and ideas. This town hall will be on Facebook on Monday November 27th at 8:00 p.m.. we are hoping that if you get this that you can get your mother or your girl or somebody to check it out and get the information that will be provided. The 40 strong will be there virtually to support and listen to the direction of the 2024 General Assembly. Pass This On!___________________________________________    40 Strong Advocacy Training
PLEASE get your family/friends involved in our advocacy day. We have partnered with Natasha White to give families of Tidewatertraining before our January 17th Advocacy day. The training will also be live streamed for those who can't make it to Tidewater. LISTEN!!!! DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS TRAINING. This will prepare your families to speak to lawmakers and how to act on your behalf. Here's the info:           January 16th 2024 10am-2pm                     Designer Depot                      3676 Sewell's Point Road                      Norfolk, Virginia * If your families have questions please call  #318-295-5343 Natasha --------------------------------------------------------------------- Membership and Our Website
We are still adding those who were kicked out of our last contact. We are asking our members to get others involved and to stay active. If someone in your part has a voice and wants change, please send their state number. If there are members who were previously contacts please send their state number so that we can add them again.---------------------------------------------------------------------             40 Strong Advocacy Day
Our official advocacy day will be January 17, 2024 9am-3pm. We will have breakfast, lunch, and gas cards for your families. As of now we are hoping to meet at offices of ACLU Richmond but will have official location in December 15th Special EditionGeneral Assembly Call to Action newsletter. We are also happy to announce that candidate for delegate Susana Gibson had reached out to join us on January 17th! We will be happy to have her and we also have a couple delegates reaching out to meet families on that date. So mark January 17th on your calendar!!___________________________________________
 Our 5 Legislative Initiatives for 2024
What's The changing of the guard after the election, we have been trying to put together a priority list. We thought about pro, fishback, conditions, reentry, earn sentence credits etc... We also know that we will not accomplish everything in January but we do have four years to make progress. With that said, we also don't want to tread lightly because our voting block spoke and people want change. So these will be at 5 points of focus for the general assembly.#1 REINSTATING PAROLE~ we believe that this has to be on top of the list, because more than anything people want freedom! Our opinion on this is that Virginia has too many laws; hola new law fits back law juvenile law earn since credit law etc... We found this to be unconstitutional to have 25,000 men and women serving different sentences of the same crimes. We believe that one law reinstating parole in 30 for 30 good time will be fair and impartial to all. That can be accomplished simply by voting to remove the 1995 statue which will automatically reinstate parole and make it retroactive.#2 SECOND LOOK~ we Believe family that Second look will be a beautiful opportunity for those who've done to work to gain Second Chances. Second Look gained a lot of steam last year and even passed the Senate but had trouble in the house. Second look will provide for judges to reconsider sentences and shorten the time of those who deserve it. This sort of reconsideration by judges has been tried in Maryland and many other states with great success. Why not and trust a judge who sent someone to also modify their sentence because of that person's great behavior or steps to change?#3 PAROLE PROCESS OVERHAUL~ one of the biggest issues we have with our members is not receiving a fair parole hearing. This also applies to FISHBACK, JUVENILE, and GERIATRIC! We will be asking legislators to look at the parole process and address issues like serious nature of the crime being stated 15, 20, 25 times as reason for denial. The mistake that a person made will never change, but their life and choice to change themselves can. We want a fair and impartial parole board that will grant parole on a person's remorse, rehabilitation, and potential to reintegrate into society. #4 VIRGINIA DOC HEALTH AND WELLNESSWe will be asking DOC and lawmakers as well, to look at the style of corrections currently. That means is everything about punishment? Are there adequate enough programs that match today's society? Can doing time be more incentive based? Can jp6 players with phone compatibility be provided to stop violence over the phones? More mental health professionals be hired to deal with the trauma and emotional effects of incarceration. We don't believe that people are just using drugs. Much of this is due to incarceration, the current system of no incentive to do good, and even things like covid and not being able to see family for periods of time. Can the newly formed ombudsman office secure more structure in regards to food, medical, and rehabilitation?#5 ENDING SOLITARY ~ in the past we have been biased to approaching reform from a freedom only objective. Although our primary goal is second chances, we have grown to realize that conditions do matter! And one of those conditions that have done the most harm, has been the prolong time in solitary confinement. We are thankful to Natasha White and the Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement on the real effects of physical isolation. So we will be asking lawmakers to cap the amount of time and solitary or restrictive housing to 14 days if you are not a threat or did not commit an act of violence. We would like people who do not pose a threat to be returned to housing and population within 14 days or transferred to a suitable facility. We do understand that if someone's a threat that solitary confinement might have to be used for a period of time for the safety of the facility. However, it matters of simple infractions or things not deemed a violent threat, prolonged segregation is not a good for them or the facility.
      In Closing on 5 Legislative Initiatives
We do understand that there are vital things that we may have missed. Especially things like expanding the earned sentence credit good time law, and even things like 65% or a meaningful good time law to promote good behavior. However, initiatives like reinstating parole and even second look can provide those same opportunities for good time and second chances. We are very sympathetic to all the individual issues from fish back, to juvenile, excessive sentencing, and even those facing the mandatory minimum law. We can assure you that there are many other organizations and advocates who will be addressing some of these in this year's general Assembly. It was our goal to pick the top five that we feel could affect the most people. We do want you guys opinion please keep in mind that this first general assembly session is less than 2 months away so we're in a crunch. I will say this though---- change will come!___________________________________________Active Dad's and Father's Initiative Training
A HUGE Congrats to all those who have signed up for the active days and fathers initiative training program. You will receive your first lesson on December 1st and we will be providing your child/children a gift at Christmas from you. Once you complete the first two sessions, we will get your child's info and their gift will arrive before Christmas. Anyone who is not signed up yet we will start a new class February 1st. Let's keep in mind that your physical removement from your child's life, does not alter the impact that you can still have. Talk to them, give them advice, tell them you love them, please stay involved.___________________________________________ 40 Gift Store Catalog
We have been sending the catalog to the facilities and we are unsure if they're being held by doc. The 40 strong gift store is a licensed LLC and we are providing a much-needed service. We do know about the new policy regarding mail being sent to the receiving center, but we also know that that starts on January 1st 2024. So the catalog that we are sending you should be able to receive them. If you are still interested please send your name, state number, and address so that we can get one out to you for Christmas. *For those who participated in our free Christmas gift initiative, we do have your information----------------------------------------------------------------------

 National Alliance on Mental Illness
Great news!!! We have reached out and currently looking to form a partnership with NAMI which is the National Alliance on Mental Illness to get resources for members of DOC. If you are struggling with mental health please reach out to them and let them know your situation and that you need resources to help you. Please let them know that you are 40 strong member or if you refer someone please tell them to express that the 40 strong refer them                           NAMI         4301 Wilson Blvd suite#300            Arlington, Virginia 22203
*And do whatever is best to maintain your thinking and emotions.----------------------------------------------------------------------   Education is Key
As of July 1, 2023, all provisions of the FAFSA Simplification Act related to incarcerated students are active. This means that the Pell Grant is now available to all qualified incarcerated people to further pursue post-secondary education for jobs with livable wages.
Contact:1-800-433-3243 please have your family call to receive application As many of you may know, education is very high on our list. We will be sending all the education information that we've had in past newsletters for those who were deleted from our previous contact.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------                Second Chance Letter Initiative
Please continue letters to Governor Youngkin andlead speaker of the General Assembly Don Scott.We are asking for how you've changed, your sincere remorse for the mistake, and all the positive things you'll do when released. Please state that you are a 40 Strong member and will be involved in community outreach and mentorship to our to youth. You should be able to get 15-20 letters out of your pod. That comes down to focus, paper, pen, and a 65¢ stamp--- Let's Go!
Governor Glenn Youngkin
Office of the Governor
p.o. box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218

Honorable Don Scott
355 Crawford street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
_____________________________________________________________
                            Final Words from Angela 
Hello to everyone... I'm thankful for all the great messages and well wishes that I received. I am resting and following the orders of my doctor. I did want to speak today though on being ready! Because if you stay ready you won't have to get ready. Are you ready??? If legislation is passed providing Second Chances in January are you ready for freedom? Are you ready to go home and be a productive member of society? Are you ready to be a husband or wife? Are you ready to work 8 to 10 hours a day and stay focused? Are you ready to be a parent and guide your children the right way? These all the things that we have to think about when we're talking about Second Chances. Because we cannot afford for anyone to go home and do something that will set Second Chances behind. So I'm asking you if you are not ready PLEASE get ready! I'm amazed by all of the returning citizens that I see during the work. These men and women have returned to society to open businesses, run nonprofits, and make an impact on their community. We have to keep that up! For those who are ready please stay ready. My best to you and your families.

Chris 40 S.The40Strong.com
.

 November 2, 2023
Greetings Members, Family, & Friends----
    I hope this reaches you well and I wish the same for your family. It's been a trying week but that all comes with the job. So last week while we were sending out 865 newsletters, we did not find out we were blocked until an hour later. When we spoke to JPay it was said you are not allowed to have more than one contact. When we reached out to the corporate office and let them know that we are a licensed organization, they said there's nothing wrong with reaching out to multiple people. So we reached out to Director Dotson and several other DOC admin, and just explain what we do. We explain the hundreds of emails we've gotten of our members doing great things. We explained that we are only trying to add positive and motivational input to our members in DOC. We even expressed that we are not anti-DOC and we do not ask our members to do anything negative. We did not receive any resistance so we are loading names back up on this account to reach out to you. We unfortunately did not get to keep our whole contact list, so we will say you guys are the golden members! So with that said we'll keep this short and brief and give y'all some information.....___________________________________________
Please continue to tell your family to vote because Tuesday is coming fast. That means hit people up on the phone or on jpay and just let him know that their voice counts. I feel like we have exhausted our voice on telling you guys to vote and now that choice is on you. If your family needs more information on voting please have them go to the website at:The40STRONG.COM___________________________________________
    The 40 Strong Fundraiser Focus
We will be doing several fundraisers leading into Christmas to help children and families in need. If you have something in mind close to your facility and can organize the contact, we will definitely support. That could be in elementary school, a seniors facility, or anyone else who would need help during the holidays. Our focus for 2024 is taking the 40 Strong to the next level by impacting our communities. That means we will be doing more fundraising, youth mentorship, informing partnerships in our communities with our members. We hope that you are ready for this challenge and this is going to be a beautiful partnership involving your passion for a second chance in the need for positivity in society. We will have more info on this in December's newsletter.___________________________________________         Our Last Event of 2023!!!!!!
We have partnered with our women members to have our last event of the year. Here's the info and get your family to come out!                  Locust Shade Park               4701 locust shade drive                Triangle, Virginia 22172
* Great speakers, community enrichment, food, and families will speak for their loved ones. If your family comes they will get to speak on your behalf or read something from you.---------------------------------------------------------------------                General Assembly Call
We all know that the general assembly is only 2 1/2 months away. We are asking you to get your families involved now. If they would like to come out for one day to advocate on your behalf at the general assembly please have them reach us at:the40strong@gmail.comJust let them know to let us know that they're interested and we will start the process. The general assembly is where the laws and bills are voted on in past. So the more support that we have there it will have a direct effect on lawmakers decisions.----------------------------------------------------------------------               

Vote to Create Change

Vote for equal Justice

Vote with Hope for a better future

Vote for Freedom

Vote because everyone deserves a Second chance

Vote with Determination

Vote with Desperation

JUST VOTE!               Nairobi___________________________________________
      Needing more from our members
In light of us pretty much starting over for 150 people, we are now asking more for my members. We are looking to start sending in printed newsletters that you could get copies and get some more people at your facility. We are looking for our members to be mentors and have more impact at their facilities. We are looking at ways to help you all be it JPay stamps media or trust fund that could help. Our first go now though is organizing positive things with the community. The second thing is getting the families to reach out to us about coming to the General Assembly. If you would like more responsibility and is ready to take that next step please let us know. Also, please let us know if you received your catalogs. ___________________________________________                           Final Thoughts....
This will conclude our newsletter for November. Please feel free to review it again and make sure that you tell all those around you to vote. If I was around you would like to receive the newsletters ( especially current members ) please send their names to be added. Please stay safe and positive for help is on the way! 
Chris40.STHE40STRONGLLCThe40Strong.comReplyForwardAdd reaction
.

 Greetings Members, Families and Friends!

    WE ARE HAPPY ABOUT THE EARNED SENTENCE CREDITS VICTORY!!! Of course, we all remember the heartbreak of 2022 when the amendments by Governor Youngkin stopped mixed charges Earned Sentence Credits from becoming law. Now just 2 years later this will be law on July 1st! This is expected to release 800-850 people immediately and 1,000's more in the future.

This was achieved by hard work and a REFORM COMMUNITY that stood tall. We are thankful for the families that came out, voted, participated, emailed, questioned, and cheered. We get several emails a day from your families looking for information. We love to help them learn more on how to help you. So, with Earned Sentence Credits passing I think we all know what the next step is----- REENTRY!!!! We need everybody returning to society ready to leave and be that pillar to the community and your family. We have never lied to y'all or have it any way but across the table; WE HAVE TO MAKE REENTRY A SUCCESS!  This allows for Second Look, 21 under parole, and other things possible. What the First Wave does in July will affect reform for the next 5-10 years. We canceled our Stonewall event to focus exclusively on Reentry Resources. 
*WE will have ALL Reentry Resources on our website The40Strong.com on June 20th and will keep it updated! FREEDOM IS PRICELESS! 

  This newsletter will have REENTRY info to help. If someone around, you are going home soon share the info. We will post a more completed list on our website:                The40Strong.com on June 20th to help assist you further. Do not be afraid to reach out to places like the Salvation Army, O.A.R, Virginia Cure, and even YMCA/YWCA. Just like reaching out to your family's church or place of worship. Be a VOLUNTEER when you can MANY jobs originate from volunteering or community service. We are just really excited about the results that continue to show the hard work. We still have to stay focused. There are still many men and women in Virginia DOC without that chance. We want Parole to be more attainable.
 

STARTING JULY 1ST PAROLE REFORM

#1. The board will only be required to have 3 of 4 votes to approve a parole application. This is GREAT NEWS that could be the reason for a second chance.

#2. The Parole Board must notify you of their decision via in person visit (face to face), or via video visit.

This will make huge impact on the possibilities so stay encouraged!

___________________________________________

  Earned Sentence Credits Confirmation 

 When the earned sentence credits news first broke two years ago, I was personally devastated. It felt like the organization had let everyone down. I know that may sound crazy but that's how it felt. It gets very difficult trying to impact the organization from behind the wall and it shows you the limitations on you. However, there was nothing in me that said this was gonna be the end of it. So after days of little sleep and mental anxiety, the word VOTE popped in my head. The next day the Virginia DOC voting block was ignited. When I heard that the Delegate Majority was debating the budget with Governor Youngkin I thought of those votes. I thought of hitting the yard and passing out flyers. I thought about telling everyone around me to get their people to vote. I thought about winning!!! So, it was the numbers that permitted debate which brought change. NEVER underestimate the power of votes! Now to those going home

PLEASE stand on business out there so others like me can follow.

                          Free(founder)

___________________________________________
              SECOND LOOK PUSH

For those of you that have family members who are active Prison Reform and criminal justice advocates, this is just a quick reminder regarding the upcoming Second Look Recap 2024, and workshop on the next steps moving forward. SIP (Sisters in Prison Reform), Nolef Turns, and the Humanization Project will be conducting this free event June 8, 2024, 1-4pm at the Richmond Public Library- 101 East Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219. Food, drinks, and some very helpful education will be provided at this event. The event is free, and all are not only welcome but encouraged to attend, but you will need to register ahead of time at the link below. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJR2b27yaCV6JDRg4jbeOYmqXwEaqvkD02Z5ieTaR4Q5JTQA/viewform?usp=sf_link&usp=embed_facebook as a quick back story; I first began my advocacy journey December 2023 by signing up for a training course regarding Second Look. I had no political background or experience with advocacy or lobbying. However, I did have something in common with each of you. I had someone very dear to me in VADOC, and I wanted to help. From that day on, I continued to learn, I showed up, and I made my voice heard. That’s really all that’s required to advocate for not only your loved ones, but everyone affected by incarceration in Virginia. I’m proud to be donating my time and knowledge to my 40 Strong Family and continuing to build bonds with our other selfless organizations and individuals that are making a difference. Please consider joining in the fight and encouraging your family and friends to do so as well. I hope to see many familiar faces as well as new ones on June 8th. 

Jessica D 40 Strong

____________________________________NEVER STOP WORKING!!!!!
If you're looking to receive Second Look or Parole in the future don't stop working! Here is a great skills school that offers a collection of programs that have been respected by the Parole Board and others. The courses do cost (respectable fee) but the benefits are enormous. You can write them or have your family contact them to get a brochure. Keep Pushing!ACCI LIFESKILLS165 N. FREEDOM BLVD, STE 5BPROVO, UT 840604PH#800-316-0246FAX#866-550-9132EMAILinfo@lifeskills.com_______________________

Founder Free Speaks Commentary

After almost 3 1/2 years of doing the work, I had no idea how tired I was. I can remember arriving at Greensville almost 2 weeks ago still exuberant from the great news on the victory of EXPANDING EARNED SENTENCE CREDITS. It was a little bit surreal after all of the strategy, networking, events, emails, action calls and everything else over the last two years. Did I ever doubt that we would win---- NOT AT ALL! There's something sobering about men and women being told that they would in fact be reuniting with their families, only to be told a couple weeks prior to that July 2022 date that
they wouldn't be. It was painful and heartbreaking to say the least. However, I used that pain, and those tears to fuel motivation. So, when I arrived here at Greensville I came with the baggage of many sleepless nights and the fatigue of reform. When I laid my head on my pillow the first night here, I slept like I hadn't slept in years! I would do the same the next night, and the next night and nights after that. Now, after almost two weeks here I feel somewhat like myself. It feels like I was in isolation at Lawrenceville almost. With Lawrenceville being privately owned, it was hard to tell what influence 40 Strong was really having in Virginia DOC. It wasn't until I was moved in population that it became crystal clear. I was greeted with so many hugs and smiles from members that it overwhelmed me. I TRULY HAD NO IDEA!!! Nevertheless, I gave hugs and listened to the stories of hope and newfound belief. Then the other day when I heard the nurse call 7 men to sign discharge papers of upcoming releases unbeknownst to them, it was surreal again. Many had release dates next year, or 2026 and even 2028. Their faces said it all! So yes, the hard work was paying off by us and all the organizations and advocates on the ground. This is a pivotal moment in Prison Reform in Virginia. Now, the focus shifts to the fight for Second Look in General Assembly session 25. I still believe and the motivation is there. As I look around Greensville, I see aged faces who've been here for decades begging for the chance for a Second Chance. I see the eyes of men who want to reunite with their families. So, the story continues... I am thankful for this journey and for our close to 2500 members that we give hope. I am humbled to serve and believe that Second Look is next. Let's GO!!!!

Free 40 Strong

_____________________________________________

The WellnessWarriors group- Who we are?

An idea born in 2021 when one of us became more aware of the truth about the conditions our

inside communities faced and a passionate desire to find a way to improve it with tools one

couldn't have taken away, A Warrior Within US Project began a 21-day mindset-reset beta

program, it received positive reviews however soon after- the project was temporarily put on

hold to deal with and handle a re-entry situation, we share that for true transparency because it

was a situation that took another year and a half of focus. So, fall of 2023 excited to pick up

where we left off, we began creating a focus group dedicated to wellness & mindset, with goal of

an inside newsletter and outside workshop. We have grown to a solid diverse group with

members from Virginia, Florida, Missouri, West Virginia and even The Caribbean, our group

includes the formerly incarcerated, a mom with a degree in psychology, A Neurodivergent Yoga

instructor and a few of us with existing wellness geared programs or groups. All passionate

about the betterment of our community's youth to adult both inside and outside those walls. Our

goal here is to provide information, resources, tips and guidance to help improve the mental and

physical health and also one’s mindset. Together, we aim to create a positive impact and

promote overall wellness within correctional facilities and at re-entry to assist in reintegration.

Tools you have within you just waiting to be realized & utilized, Tools that no one can take from you.

Education is empowering! – Wellness Warriors Editorial

To empower yourself in the advocacy of your health care & mental health care with knowledge of common medications is important. Advocating for proper evaluations, checkups and medicine is within your right. Wellness Warriors has provided a general overview of 10 categories of the most commonly used physical & mental health medications prescribed within Correctional facilities, keep in mind some overlap.

Example: •Ability is an antipsychotic, but it is often also used for mood stabilization

•Seroquel- depending on one's physician could be used to treat agitation, mood and also those with sleep or memory disorders

•Gabapentin, though most often used for nerve pain, has been used for moderate general pain, and an anti-seizure therapy and also off label for anxiety.

1. **Antipsychotics**: These medications are used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia/effective, bipolar disorder, and severe depression w/psychotic features. - Risperidone (Risperdal) - Olanzapine (Zyprexa) - Quetiapine (Seroquel) - Aripiprazole (Abilify)

2. **Antidepressants**: These medications are used to treat various types of depression and anxiety disorders and fall under a few categories. The difference matters because some meds are not to be taken with SSRIs or MAOIs. •Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): -Fluoxetine (Prozac) -Sertraline (Zoloft) •Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): -Venlafaxine (Effexor) -Duloxetine (Cymbalta) •Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) -Amitriptyline -Nortriptyline •Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) -Phenelzine (Nardil), -Tranylcypromine (Paranet) •Antidepressant/Anti-Anxiety: -Lexapro (increases serotonin)

3. **Mood Stabilizers**: These medications are primarily used to treat bipolar/mood disorder. - Lithium - Valproate (Depakote) - Lamotrigine (Lamictal) 4. **Anxiolytics** These medications are used to treat anxiety disorders. •Benzodiazepines: -Lorazepam (Ativan) -Alprazolam (Xanax) - Buspirone (Buspar)

5. **Pain relievers/Analgesics** -Gabapentin (Neurontin) -hydrocodone (Vicodin) -oxycodone (Percocet) •Anti-inflammatory (Arthritis, Injury etc.) - Naproxen (This could be prescription or over the counter as Aleve) - Ibuprofen (both prescription strength 600&800mg or over the counter 200mg)

6.**Antihypertensives** Medications that help lower high blood pressure. -Lisinopril -Amlodipine 7. **Antidiabetic drugs** Medications used to manage diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. - Metformin (type 2 diabetics) -Insulin (type 1 and 2 diabetics)

8.**Anticonvulsants** Drugs that help control seizures in conditions like epilepsy. -Neurontin (gabapentin) -Phenytoin

9.**Antacids** Medications that help reduce stomach acid and treat digestive issues. -Nexium -Prilosec

10.**Antibiotics** Drugs that help fight bacterial infections. -Amoxicillin -Penicillin -Doxycycline -Clindamycin Some side effects to the different meds above are weight gain, upset stomach, excessive sleepiness, brain fog/memory issues, digestive issues, rapid movements and more please make sure to report any adverse effects to your nurse/physician, Helpful definition: Serotonin's a brain chemical that affects mood and emotions, influencing feelings of well-being. Imbalances can lead to conditions like depression and anxiety, treated with medications that increase serotonin levels. We hope this helps empower you in navigating and advocating your healthcare, if there's another medicine you need information on, please let us know.
______________________________________________
               IMPORTANT NUMBERS

 Chesapeake Law Library
298 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, Va. 23322
757-382-8301

Va. Appeal Court
Clerk John Vollino
109 N. 8th Street
Rich., Va. 23219
804-786-5651

Alexandria Law Library
530 King Street LL34
Alex.  Va. 22314
703-746-4077

Library of Congress
Dr. Carla Hayden appointed by Pres. Obama
101 Independence Ave, SE
Wash., DC 20540
202-707-5000 or 8000

VA. DOC ADA
Barry. Marano@vadoc.virginia.gov
6900 Atmore Drive
Rich., Va. 23225
804-763-9960

DOJ ADA
US Dept. of Justice
Disability Rights Section
950 Penn. Ave NW
Wash., DC 20530
800-514-0301

VA DOC Ombudsman (s)
1100 H Street NW
Wash., DC 20005
202-506-3333
VDSS OCR Office

 ______________________________________________

REENTRY PROGRAM PROVIDERS

Colonial Comm. Corr. Transitional Services

4093 Ironbound Rd., Suite B

Williamsburg, VA 23188

Phone: (757) 564-2311, FAX: (757) 229-8963

Email: hal.diggs@jamescitycountyva.gov

Northern Neck Reg. Jail Reentry &

Transition Services

P.O. Box 1090

Warsaw, VA 22572

Phone: (804) 333-6005; Fax: (804) 333-6029

email: awalker@nnrj.state.va.us

jsegar@nnrj.state.va.us

Northwestern Regional Adult Detention

Center

143 Fort Collier Road

Winchester, VA 22603

Phone:(540) 535-3851, Fax: 540-524-6192

Email: jwhitley@fcva.us

krodri@fcva.us

OAR-Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church

1400 N. Uhle Street, Suite 704

Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: (703) 228-7030; Fax: (703) 228-3981

email: ejones@oaronline.org

ksteinbruck@oaronline.org

OAR-Fairfax

10640 Page Avenue, Suite 250

Fairfax, VA 22030-4015

Phone: (703) 246-3033; Fax: (703) 273-7554

Email: doverton@oarnova.org

dhayden@oarnova.org

OAR-Jefferson Area

750 Harris St., Suite 207

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Phone: (434) 296-2441; Fax: (434) 979-4038

email: psmith@oar-jacc.org

rcarew@oar-jacc.org

gspry@oar-jacc.org

OAR-Richmond

3111 West Clay Street

Richmond, VA 23230

Phone: (804) 643-2746; Fax: (804) 643-1187

email: sdimick@oarric.org

website: http://www.oarric.org/

STEP-UP, Inc.

5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 102

Norfolk, VA 23502

Phone: (757) 588-3151; Fax: (757) 587-4507

Email: sbrandt@stepupincorporated.org

Virginia CARES, Inc.

108 Henry St., NW, 3rd floor

Roanoke, VA 24016

Phone: (540) 342-9344; Fax: (540) 342-9427

Email: afisher@vacares.org

Arlington – SCA Community Reentry Program

Offender Aid & Restoration of Arlington

Elizabeth Jones Valderrama

(703) 228-7441

Statewide – VADOC Career Employment Reentry Project

Cleon Ross

(804) 887-8344

Richmond – Enhanced Vocational Training, Career Planning and Job Placement Program

Bart Blanks

(804) 646-5438

Local – Community Based Re-entry – WOMEN

Jennifer Jacovitch

(540) 434-1690

Local – Comprehensive Corrections TTA

Hank Heflin

hheflin@air.org

Virginia’s Reentry Portal: https://virginiareentry.org/

Virginia Reentry Resources: https://www.reentryessentials.org/virginia.html

Virginia Reentry Programs: https://www.felonyrecordhub.com/programs/virginia-reentry-programs/

Virginia Reentry and Assistance: https://exoffenders.net/reentry-programs-assistance/virginia/

Virginia Career Works – Northern Region - https://vcwnorthern.com/jobseekers/reentry-resources/

Tap Into Hope - https://tapintohope.org/program/reentry-program/

Loudon County - https://www.loudoun.gov/4929/Re-Entry-Services

Norfolk Reentry Council - https://www.norfolk.gov/3508/Prisoner-Re-Entry-Council

Medicaid and CHIP in Virginia - https://www.medicaid.gov/state-overviews/stateprofile.html?state=virginia
DC Central Kitchen2121 First Street SW Suite 140Washington DC 20024202-234-0707Coordinator Jeffrey Rustin
___________________________________________      Companies That Hire Felons
Ace Hardware, Macey's, Domino's, AT&T, Wendy's,  Best Western, Dollar Tree Kohl's, Walgreens,  Dennys,  Huddle House, Family Dollar, Kmart, Caterpillar, Goodwill, Lowe's,  Chick-fil-A,  Chili's,  Red Lobster, Menards Pilot Flying J, Walmart, Home Depot, Pepsi,Greyhound, Great Clips, Papa John's,  Sprint,Ashley Furniture, Goodyear Tires, Sam's Club,Dairy Queen, Steak N Shake, I Hop, Golden Corral, Pizza Hut, Buffalo Wild Wings, KFC, General Mills, Blue Cross Blue Shield* As we find out more we'll post on our website. _____________________________________________
 In Closing......

 PLEASE share all the info in the newsletter especially the REENTRY and Second Look details. PLEASE have someone show up June 8th at The Richmond public library as the push for Second Look 2025 begins. The key to our continued success is Truth, Accountability, and Actions.  What we do from here will affect our progress at the 2025 General Assembly. We only have 7 months so PLEASE BE ON POINT! Go home and reconnect with life and it's simplicity. DO NOT forget the pain, disappointments, and frustration on Incarceration.  Our next stop is Second Look and we all have to Stand on Business! We are happy to announce that Nairobi X has launched a women's website for the movement  titled

                  HearHerVoice.Blog

  PLEASE have your mothers, wives, daughters, nieces etc... support the women's voices that are the backbone of the movement. We are now over 2500 members and growing! If you are going home Love your family, enhance your community and give back! You'll never imagine the joy of giving back until you feel it. Let's keep pushing and moving forward in Progress!

Chris 40 S
The40strong@gmail.com
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook

Kirsten Knights
Personal Advocate & Director of Education
The 40 Strong

Jessica Davis 
Personal advocate & Chapter Leader
The 40 Strong
 

 April Newsletter update!

The state’s parole board, which has the authority to grant, deny and revoke parole and other powers, can have up to five members but currently only has four members.

West told 8News she’s looking forward to having a full parole board and hopes to bring stability to it, acknowledging that there is a current “backlog” because it was down to three members and saying it has been “kind of a mess.”

These are the current Parole Board members according to the Parole Board website and reports.

Honorable Judge Patricia West, Chairman
Lloyd Banks, Vice-Chairman
Michelle Dermyer, Member
Samuel L. Boone Jr., Member
___________________________________________
40 Strong T Shirt Spring Sale!!!

PLEASE support the organization by purchasing our Limited Edition Anniversary
T shirts. Please have your family reach out to us to buy a t-shirt all proceeds being used for the newsletter and upcoming events. Here is our cash app information and PO box. If they order by cash app please tell them to put the size, name, and address on the FOR line. All shirts are $20 + $2.50 shipping. Thanks for the support!!!!
Cash App: 40Strongdonations
Forty Strong pops up

The 40 Strong
P.O. box 6731
Chesapeake, Virginia 23323

* We will be starting the 40 strong clothing on our website coming in May
__________________________________________
News You Can Use

Patricia West is the current chair of the Virginia Parole Board. West is a former judge and state director of juvenile justice. You can contact her by email at patricia.west@vpb.virginia.gov, or by phone at (804) 674-3081

Organizations to Assist Your Kids

Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
A nationwide program that gives Christmas gifts to children in the name of incarcerated parents, and also sends children to summer camp and hosts sports camps. Local church volunteers usually purchase and deliver gifts.
*44180 Riverside Pkwy, Lansdowne, VA 20176

Milk and Cookies Children's Program
A free program that serves residents of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, and Dinwiddie counties in Virginia.
*804-643-2401

OAR Collecting Toys for Children of Incarcerated Parents
A program that allows people to purchase gifts for teens via OAR's Amazon wish list, or purchase gift cards and drop them off at OAR's office. OAR also sets up toy donation boxes at businesses, faith communities, and civic organizations during October.
*1400 N Uhle St UNIT 704, Arlington, VA 22201

Re-Entry Services

*Phone: 540-342.9344
Email: jcarter@vacares.org
Fax: 540-342-9427

Mailing Address:
Virginia CARES, Inc.
P.O. Box 13206
Roanoke, VA 24032-3206
Physical Office Location:
Virginia CARES, Inc.
108 Henry St. NW
Third Floor
Roanoke, VA 24016

*Total Action for Progress
302 2nd Street SW, Roanoke, VA 24011

540.777.HOPE

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In Closing......

We would like to thank you again for reading on April newsletter and we hope that it was information that you needed. Please don't forget our Facebook live next Thursday April 11th at 7:30 p.m. please have your family go to our Facebook at: TheForty Strong

Please don't forget the Inthrive Film Festival on April 14th at George Mason University please have your family email us if they would like tickets. We will be notified all of our facility leaders that were chosen on April 15th and please continue to progress. We all know that the days are not easy dealing with, but you have control of the narrative and you have control of what happens next. Please stay inspired and we leave you with kindness.

Angela 40 S.
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com

The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

 Greetings Members, Families, and Friends,

We hope that you are doing well. The 40 Strong is here reporting to you live from Advocacy Life. I would say that this General Assembly session was one of mixed emotions with a few exhilarating moments.
The Wins for Ending Solitary Confinement was a peak because we know the fight that Kimberly Jenkins -Snodgrass and Natasha White have put out year after year. So there's really no way to measure all the energy and time that it takes to do advocacy. With that said we would like to say thank you to Sisters in Prison Reform,
The Humanization Project, ACLU Richmond, NOLEFTURNS, FAMM, Virginia Justice Alliance, RIHD, The Life Unit, and so many other organizations and advocates who pushed hard this year. When I say that we were United--- it was on a level that was not experienced in previous years. So yes, we were all disappointed at the abrupt end of
Second Look, but we also agreed that the bill as it stood was not a FAIR vehicle to a second chance. We agree that the victim and the Commonwealth Attorney should have a voice in the second look process, but we also believe that the judge should have the discretion to make the final judgment on if one deserves a second chance. So even though it wasn't the result that we all wanted, we will be ready January of 2025 to finish the job! The full consensus from all organizations that we spoke to and the Delegates themselves, is that this was the most Impactful General Assembly session ever for the Virginia Reform Community. We are also excited that we will have three more years with the current majority in the House and Senate. Also know that we will be pushing accountability to the Dems who we co-signed to vote for to get change. We are however compassionate to the fact that many newly elected leaders from November were entering their first general assembly session unseasoned. That means we will be reaching out to them throughout the year to continue building those relationships, and to express why Second Chances are so important to the moral fabric of Virginia. So yeah this is a tough job and I know you guys have many expectations of us, but all we can do is give 100% and represent you guys with integrity. We have told the truth when it was needed while also challenging DOC to get better--- so you know where we stand. The key now is to continue getting your families involved, and please act on all of our upcoming newsletters. That means that if your family lives in Portsmouth and their delegate office is in Portsmouth, we're going to need them to stop by there and have a 10-minute meeting to have their voice heard this year. The real work starts TODAY--- we can't wait until November and December to start talking about reform. So the groundwork has been laid, and now it's on our you to continue elevating and creating through action the second chance that you desire. With that said, I want to share the letter that Attorney General Jason Miyares sent to the House of Delegates just days before Second Look and Earned Sentence Credits was scheduled to be heard in committee. You better bet that that letter made an impact on the minds of delegates, but this is the business of advocacy and how quick it can change. I'm sending this letter to you so that you can see exactly what was said and why we have to change the narrative. I want this to motivate you to be better and to understand that once you are released anything you do could affect thousands of other people seeking that second chance. We do not agree with all the numbers in his letter, and the ACLU responded and those numbers are being verified. But numbers aside, it's time to get to work! If we send you information you have to send it to your family and friends. If you're on the power phone all day you have to tell them to get involved by going to The40Strong.com As hard as it is sometimes to be optimistic ,vit is imperative that everyone stays focused and eyes forward on the future. With that said, stay optimistic because change is coming!
_________________________________________

E NEWS
Attorney General Miyares Calls for Reevaluation of Sentence Reductions for Violent Offenders Due to Public Safety ConcernsPublished 1 week ago on February 27, 2024By Royal Examiner
RICHMOND, Va. – Attorney General Jason Miyares has formally addressed the Virginia General Assembly, advocating for the retention of limitations on the enhanced earned sentence credit law. This law currently allows for the possibility of sentence reductions for violent offenders. Through a letter directed to both the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate, Attorney General Miyares expressed significant public safety concerns and highlighted the potential financial impact of continuing to allow sentence reductions under this law.

In 2020, Virginia expanded its earned sentence credit program, enabling certain inmates to receive sentence reductions. However, data since the expansion has illuminated potential risks associated with the program, particularly concerning recidivism among violent offenders. The Attorney General pointed to alarming statistics that underscore the danger these individuals could pose upon early release:

A notable increase in recidivism rates among inmates released under the enhanced earned sentence credits compared to those under the original program.
In 2023 alone, 2,725 offenders released through the program were arrested for new crimes, including severe offenses such as capital murder, first and second-degree murder, abduction, and sexual assault.
A significant portion of these offenders were previously identified as high risks for both general and violent recidivism.
Attorney General Miyares supports the Governor’s proposed budget amendment (item 390 R.2.), aiming to maintain restrictions on sentence reductions for individuals convicted of violent crimes. He emphasized the crucial balance between ensuring justice for past and future victims and maintaining public safety.

The proposed continuation of restrictions comes as a temporary measure in the current budget, preventing sentence reductions for offenders convicted of both violent and nonviolent offenses in the same act, nears its expiration on July 1, 2024. Without further legislative action, an estimated 8,300 offenders could become eligible for reduced sentences, with the overwhelming majority having been convicted of violent felonies.

_____________________________________
Welcoming Our Director of Litigation

We are happy to announce that we are adding Abdul Akbar as our director of litigation. Mr Akbar is very knowledgeable of the law and process of said law, and we want to support him and assistant our members. If you are in the stage of litigation or need advice on moving forward on possible litigation, please direct your email to director of litigation Akbar, and he will work through your requests. We are firm believers and knowledge regarding anything that we do and it's important that we extend that to you as well. Big Respects to Director of Litigation Abdul Akbar!!

________________________________________
Special Shout To 40 Strong Ladies

I've been very impressed with the Unity and growth of our lady members. When we put out the call for College Guild leaders the ladies were ready. So Big Respects ladies for Standing Tall.
Angela -----
_________________________________________
Inthrive Film Festival Tickets & Submissions

Thank everyone who've submitted poetry so far. We are very impressed with the talent in our members. Please let your families know that FREE TICKETS are now available if they email us at the40strong@gmail.com
Everyone who's art or poetry that's included in the Film Festival will receive a letter of acknowledgement and contribution. The Deadline for submissions is March 15th.
*Please have your families to come out we'll have a section and are collaborating with the Humanization Project on a presentation.

Inthrive Film Festival
April 14 12,pm-5pm

George Mason University
VanMetre Auditorium
Mason Square
3351 Fairfax Dr.
Arlington, VA 22201

________________________________________
40 Strong Mail

When sending us mail please be patient and understanding with response time. Please do not send us 4-5 pages of reading about things more appropriate for a lawyer. We are not Attorneys and cannot provide lawyer recommendations. PLEASE ALSO UTILIZE THE RESOURCES YOU HAVE: Counselor,
Court Legal, Law Library, etc.... We will try our best to assist but things we don't know we will not speak on. Please keep requests to 2-3 paragraphs cause our time of responsibilities is tight. Thank You----
Director of Education Kirsten
Director of Litigation Abdul
Director of Communication Chris
Director of 40 Strong Women Nairobi
Director of Community Events Angela
_________________________________________
Call For Facility Leaders

We are hiring our first 10 facility Leaders and this is a monthly job with pay. If you believe that you could be a 40 Strong facility leader, please send us your name, facility, programs completed, and 250 words or less " why you would be a good facility leader. Some of the responsibilities of a facility leader would be: #1 Be a Positive voice and presence in representation of The 40 Strong. #2 Receive Important updates and get that info fluidly ( getting copies/word of mouth) to other members at your facility. #3 Create Fundraisers and Other positive bridges to society that we can support and help plan. All Submissions for Facility Leaders must be received by April 3, 2024
* As I said this position will pay but we want your best foot forward.
________________________________________
College Guild Success & Thanks

Opportunities for Change Update with Kirsten

Happy March! I want to thank everyone that came back with such enthusiasm regarding the rollout pilot College Guild 40 Strong Study Club program. I have made a list of all those interested, and your respective facilities. At this stage, we have started the rollout in 3 facilities - including one womens' facility.

This is not to say that we won't expand. Right now, we are funding and running this from a grassroots level, and we need to make sure we get it right and effective before going wide. These facilities will be the case studies we put forward when going wide, and pitching our case for grants and support. So please don't be disheartened if I haven't been in contact in reply to your expression of interest.

For those that are located in Red Onion, Pocahontas, or State Farm Womens', there are study groups in those three facilities - so if you are interested in participating in the study group, please let me know and we can put you in touch with the group leaders in those facilities.

This is a really exciting program, and I am dedicated to making sure that as many of you can access this as possible. It is imperative to us as an organization, and myself, that we are able to provide opportunities for growth to those that yearn for it - without all the hoops that you currently have to jump through. These programs are self paced, free, and fully supported by us. This is the way we want to keep it.

Change is happening - I promise you that. And I am always humbled and filled with joy at the level of interaction and support from our beautiful family. Please keep communicating, sharing information, and most importantly, maintaining faith. We never lose sight of what it is we are fighting for, and you aren't forgotten. Every step we take is informed and implemented, with you all at the forefront.

--
Kirsten
Personal Advocate & Director of Education
The 40 Strong
_____________________________________________________________

Free Speaks.....

The cost of freedom is high. The fear of the unknown even greater. Let's be real for a moment; we are trying to tell people who have no connection to OUR plight WHO WE ARE! We believe in our HEART OF HEARTS that we can return to society and do great things. Many of us are already doing great things and it goes unnoticed. So as we scream IM READY it's still a fractured message to someone who can't imagine your bad decision, past, trauma, addiction, wrong place wrong time, actually innocent etc... reality. Each story is different and The 40 Strong strives to share your stories. Tell your families to go on our Facebook our stories are there. If the go to the website Words From Inside is there. People hear us! The key now is stepping up the Good noise and REACH HIGHER! You still playing follow the leader or you STANDING as a man or woman? Give up?? Who would say something so foolish? For if one would give up on their life their soul is already gone! God blessed you with LIFE and quit was not in that handbook. If I said I was writing this with tears on my face would you understand? Does that make me less of a man or does it show what MY life means to me? Many would never understand the burden of leadership and how great the wins feel and how bitter heartbreaking are the losses. One thing I can say is that the 40 Strong will not be quitting. The WINS from this General Assembly ARE BIG! History was set on many fronts and all the delegates and Senators know the 40 Strong name. The 40 Strong families came from all over on a 28° day. Whenever we had action alerts countless people all over the country called, emailed, and spoke. The work by all the organizations including our very own Angela, Nairobi, Kirsten, Chris, Nasir, and families was AMAZING! I'm not giving up on that. This was the first year for this new majority. Second Look was not just defeated embarrassingly ---- it crossed over and was entering it's final stages---- so why we quitting? The wins of Ending Solitary, Oversight, Earned Sentence Credits for jail time, Free Phone Calls ( or reduced prices) and so much more! The Delegates said they were impressed by the reform community and we quitting??? I say we get better---- more organized and more accountable. Did you write Governor Youngkin and Delegate Don Scott about your change? Did you get your family to attend the General Assembly? Have you gotten your friends and family to volunteer with us? Have you donated $5 to the 40 Strong or any of the other great organizations? Because from where I'm sitting 1600 stamps once or twice a month is real! So have you given 100%? Have you signed up for programs? Created a program? Are we getting better for the freedom we want. So many people were mad by Attorney General Miyares decision to release a letter to the Delegates days before Second Look and Earned Sentence Credits went to Committee with steam ----
I ask why? His title is the Attorney General that means he's the head law enforcement officer in Virginia ---- he's protecting his interest. As disappointing as that was we can only get better. Let's do facility fundraising this year. Let's do College Guild and sign up for College. Get your family more involved because the 2025 session is less than 10 months away. How much time is 10 minutes??? We're all doing time so we know that value of time. Now ask yourself....
" Is my life worth 10 months of fighting and getting better? " Of course it is! So if you wanna quit please delete the 40 Strong from JPay. If you are in and know your life is worth it ----- Let's Go!
Free----24'
__________________________________________ 40 Strong Atlanta and DC

We are happy to announce growth in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington DC uniting with Virginia. Christopher Willars of Atlanta and Keith Robinson of Washington DC we are thankful. The vision is always the same;
Second Chances, Education, and Progress
_________________________________________

Greetings Forty Strong family,

As some of you are aware already, AFOI (assisting families of inmates) began their annual quarterly transportation services this past Saturday. I utilized their services for the first time to visit a loved one at Pocahontas State Correctional Center and highly recommend them; and will use them in the future.

They provide a variety of services to families with an incarcerated loved one. These include quarterly transportation to visit each of our state facilities (in the months of March, June, September and December) . They also help with video visitation for those without access to high speed internet; and various other services for children with incarcerated parents.

The process was very simple for setting up transportation with them. Contact them at their website www.afoi.org and send them your contact information to request an intake appointment; or call (804) 643-2401. The intake appointment is over the phone and takes 15 minutes or less. They will give you your AFOI member number and let you know when the next trip to visit your loved one is. Call back or visit their website at that time and reserve your spot . (You must already be registered as a visitor with VADOC) . The cost is $10 for adults and free for minors. They provide a grab and go breakfast before leaving Richmond and dinner upon your return. They also schedule your visit, so you can skip the process through GTL. And the best part of all is you’re allowed a 4 hour visitation with your loved one when going with AFOI. They are non profit and run off donations and fund raising events throughout the year. I highly recommend both utilizing their services and helping fund them if you’re in a position to do so. They are a wonderful group and provide many opportunities to keep families connected as we navigate through these hardships of not having our loved ones home with us.

Jessica Davis
Forty Strong Chapter Leader
___________________________________________
The40Strong.com Website Update

We are happy to announce that the website has been updated. Please have your family and friends visit the website to get all info, coming events and a Legislator contact list
___________________________________________
In Closing.....

We want to thank everyone for the support and let's keep moving forward. Our April newsletter will have initiatives and a plan for what's next. In the meantime keep your head up and focused on the prize. I leave you with this saying, " many can talk about the fight outside the ring, but only the brave will step in the ring to fight!" Our best to you

Chris 40 S.
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

 February 28, 2024

Greetings Members, Families, and Friends!
We hope that you are doing well. We've now entered the hallway point of the 2024 General Assembly Session. It has been agreed on by many Advocates and organizations that this so far has been the most successful General Assembly session ever for Prison Reform. As you well may know, we stay inspired but we are never satisfied! There were certain qualifiers attached to Second Look but it did not disqualify anyone. These qualifiers are increased times of 20 or 25 years for certain crimes. We do not know which crimes require more time to be served so please be patient as we follow everything down to the end of the session. We having clothes a Midway point wrap up summary to help you understand more. The term" Crossover " simply means that bills that were either in the house or Senate that were successful, well now go to the other chamber for the final steps to either pass as law and head to Governor Youngkins desk, or not be passed into law. So we would love to predict the future but we refuse to lie to our members. So please stay patient and wants the general assembly concludes with all info that you need we will put that in the next newsletter. The good news is Our Members and Families made a difference at the 2024 session. The even better news is we still have three more sessions 2025, 2026, and 2027 with this NEW MAJORITY that is willing to make change. This year was a little bit rushed with all of the new delegates and Senators that were just elected in November, but that leaves us the rest of this year to educate them on why BIG changes are needed in 2025.__________________________________Old Law Parole Update
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) – Days after moving to block Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s pick to lead the Virginia Parole Board, Senate Democrats reversed course and confirmed her appointment.On Feb. 5, the Democrat-controlled Virginia Senate moved to reject a Democrat-led Senate committee’s decision from Jan. 30 to remove Patricia West’s appointment as Virginia Parole Board chair from a joint resolution with several of Youngkin’s appointees to key state posts.
West said that she felt Democrats were initially hesitant about her nomination because they were unfamiliar with her, telling 8News that she met with leaders to introduce herself. This included discussions with Senate Majority Leader Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax) and House Speaker Don L. Scott Jr. (D-Portsmouth), she said.
“Once I was able to talk to them and tell them about myself, I think that’s what changed their minds,” West told 8News in an interview.
READ MORE: Senate Democrats move to block Youngkin’s pick for Virginia Parole Board chairWest told 8News she believes Democrats were able to assess her thoughts on parole and trusted her when she said that she was going to be “fair” with her parole decisions, a view she said she also expressed to Youngkin before taking over the role last September.
Youngkin appointed West, a former Virginia Beach circuit court judge, as parole board chair after the former chair, Chadwick Dotson, took over as the director of the Virginia Department of Corrections.
The state’s parole board , which has the authority to grant, deny and revoke parole and other powers, can have up to five members but currently only has four members.
West told 8News she’s looking forward to having a full parole board and hopes to bring stability to it, acknowledging that there is a current “backlog” because it was down to three members and saying it has been “kind of a mess.
West was a judge on the State Corporation Commission after serving as secretary of public safety under former Gov. George Allen (R) and as a chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R).
She was also an associate dean and law and government professor at Regent University, a private Christian university in Virginia Beach.
When she was picked to be a State Corporation Commission judge, Virginia Democrats labeled her “ a conspiracy theorist ,” claiming then that she has “a long history of endorsing and promoting far-right, sexist, Islamophobic conspiracy theories.”
The initial move to remove West’s name came after Senate Democrats blocked high-profile Youngkin appointees last year . A spokesperson for Senate Democrats did not respond to a request for comment for this story by publication.
*This does show that Democrats challenged Ms. West's confirmation and she spoke with high ranking Dems expressing her vision for the 2024 Parole Board. All we can do now is look for accountability by way of FAIR Parole Hearings. We've been fighting for this and will follow it through._
_________________________________________
40 Strong Members Opportunity!!!!!
We are currently on the planning team for the In thrive Film Festival in April. We are looking for poetry submissions through JPay or you can have your family record your poem over the phone and record it. Please speak on your experience incarcerated, life, family, or how you feel. If your problem is selected to be read at the film festival you will receive a monetary contribution and letter of involvement. Please have your families send the recordings to our email: the40strong@gmail.com
We're also looking for original artwork done in pen, pencil, or color. All artwork can be sent to our PO box: The 40 Strong p.o. box 6731 Chesapeake Virginia 23323
All Submissions Deadline March 21st!!!!!!!
Inthrive Film festivalApril 14, 2024 12pm-5pm
George Mason University4400 University DriveFairfax, Virginia 22030
*Please let your families know about the film festival as we are trying to fill it up!!!! We're also looking at the possibility of having family members read The poetry entries._________________________________________Lawrenceville OpportunityWe are very aware of the opportunity for parole eligible and military veterans to be transferred to Lawrenceville. We are currently trying to be a part of the initiative with our mentors and members plan an important role. We will find out more information on this and let you guys know in the next newsletter.____________________________________LIST & FIT Programs Homework
We were contacted by a few members about their facility being on lock in regards to homework. We are extending the homework deadline to 2 weeks when receiving LIST or FIT out of consideration for facility lockdowns and kiosk problems._________________________________________40 Strong LIVE and Podcast
We are currently looking to have LIVE interviews with our members to discuss second chances and the current conditions in DOC. This could be started as soon as March and we will be looking for members to interview live from our Facebook as a way to edify the voices that are not being heard.* We are already posting many of your Jpay emails on our page so please have your family's follow: TheForty Strong (Facebook)_________________________________________The Forty Strong College Guild Club


IMPORTANT UPDATE AND OPPORTUNITY!!!!!


We are excited to announce that following an incredibly productive meeting with College Guild, Kirsten and Chris were able to facilitate an ongoing partnership that would mean more opportunities for our members in terms of leadership and learning.
We are looking at facilitating study groups in 2-3 facilities as a test initiative, in which we are looking for volunteer group mentors who can encourage learning, answer questions, lead others, and have thought provoking conversations as a method of group study. Our students will be expected to try their best to respond and submit all assignments, and our mentors will be expected to treat fellow students with respect and provide constructive feedback.
We will provide all learnings materials to those enrolled in the study groups, and the study group leader would be our main point of contact.
What does this mean for you? If you are interested in being a study group leader in your pod/facility – reach out to us, and we can engage in conversation around what this might look like. Have conversations with those around you and engage others with a passion for further learning. Programs like these can help when being assessed for Second Look petitions, and we would be prepared to write supporting statements of your mentoring and leadership efforts.
We would be looking at running two courses to begin with, these would be Creative Language (a writing and creative focused course) and U.S. Education which breaks down the education system in America with the pros and cons and how you can benefit from it.
Upon completion of courses, each participant will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in the course. Reminder – these courses are NOT accredited, but provide accessibility and equity in application, are completely free, and are accessible for all individuals. Our mission here is to encourage learning, promote rehabilitation and re-entry, prepare individuals for successful and meaningful relationships, and foster positive social relationships through collaboration.
Following this trial, we want to expand this into other facilities through partnership with the DOC and your help in these study groups will provide a positive case study to present to decision makers.
*We are looking at compensating our group leaders with money, stamps, media credits, or even gifts out the 40 Strong Gift Shop. We always like to support our members! PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU'D LIKE TO BE GROUP LEADER. PLEASE STATE YOUR FACILITY. WE NEED GOOD COMMUNICATORS AND THOSE WHO CAN MAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY WORK!
Courses Available: Creative Writing/U.S. Education
___________________________________________Crossover Conclusion:
Mostly Sunny with Scattered Frustrations
Great Progress Across Justice Reform

The bills that we have worked most devotedly on and that our community has been tracking most closely have been largely successful so far, albeit with some nuance and frustration.,
Second Look (HB834/SB427) would provide the first real opportunity for those who have earned it after decades to have their lengthy sentences reviewed by the courts. Amounting to systemic change that a JLARC study recently found would have huge impacts in fighting discriminatory sentencing patterns, we are extremely proud to have seen the Senate clear HB427 without any carve outs. At the same time, we recognize that adding unwanted limitations to get it that far and having the House version fail to make the floor are not quite where we hoped to be. Still, progress has been made and the bill moves forward.
We are absolutely thrilled about the overwhelmingly bipartisan support for the DOC Oversight/Ombudsman bill (HB555/SB456), which cleared the House 98-0 and Senate 38-2. The Governor already has it in his budget, so we foresee a law. That alone would be justice reform progress for the year, given the 25,000 families impacted everyday by the lack of transparency in DOC historically. Better yet, VADOC Director Chadwick Dotson has repeatedly signaled his support, a sign of improved leadership, too.
The bills to end extended solitary confinement (and improve safety, rehabilitation, and accountability when it is used, HB1244/SB719) have both cleared their respective chambers, and they did so remarkably close to how they were originally written. Please stay tuned to help us push for the Governor’s signature to end the torture of putting people alone in boxes for months and years when they are in crisis.
No Cost Prison Communications (HB801/SB378) managed to pass the House yesterday, albeit in a slimmed down form that would make the communications cheaper and eliminate profiteering. Not quite no cost, and we’re working to ensure full access in the meantime, but already progress that Delegate Rasoul and our coalition promise to continue.
Helping cement Delegate Seibold’s status as a beloved advocate for our community, bipartisan votes pushed her justice bills across the House finish line. Providing appropriate earned sentence credits for pretrial time at jails (HB45) passed 59-39, severely restricting canine attacks in DOC (HB159) passed 82-15, and providing safe harbor for reporting overdoses inside (HB161) went through 63-34. With less fanfare than others, these bills would reunite families, avoid often-racialized physical and psychological trauma, and save lives.
We have succeeded in pushing back against and killing a bunch of bad bills, including those to allow incarceration for initial technical violations during probation (HB849) and to permanently disqualify “mixed” and “inchoate” (incomplete acts, such as attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy) convictions (SB476), ensuring that past reforms that work have been kept in place. We have also watched and provided whatever assistance we could as our allies passed an enormous number of justice reform bills through at least one chamber. Thus, it has been one of our most successful first halves. A lot of these haven’t gotten the fanfare they deserve as they stand to make a big difference in real lives.
Pretrial, we are most especially excited about drug policy reform moving forward. The option of treating small possession cases as misdemeanors instead of felonies is great policy, reducing harms from criminalizing addiction and experimentation. Likewise, increasing eligibility for first offense drug programs (HB452) will keep people out of the system.
In the reentry space, there has been great success finding (often bipartisan) practical solutions to reduce the collateral consequences of incarceration. Forcing jails and prisons to set up systems for facilitating IDs upon emergence (HB1405) is an often overlooked but hugely impactful change that Delegates Cousins and Walker worked on across the aisle. Can’t get housing or a job without ID, and the initial time back in a community is so crucial. Eliminating fines and fees assessed on juveniles (HB 1263) will stop pushing our most vulnerable youth away from education and saddling them with debt upon release from any incarceration. Putting a time limit of 10 years on collecting fines and fees will stop putting unnecessary stressors that drive people towards addiction and recidivism when already emerging with the burden of a record (SB514).
It's also hugely important to see that we are moving towards a probation system that has a system of credits for education, employment, and treatment (HB457), letting folks earn their way off supervision sooner as a reward for growth. Making it possible for some people in the Department of Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse to hire those with lived experience despite barrier crimes from long ago (SB626) will help improve peer recovery outcomes in all our communities hard hit by addiction.
Keep in mind: All of these are legislative successes. To make them law, we have to also convince the governor to sign them. Could not realistically do much better than we did so far, but we still have steps before these great bills are statute._________________________________________Second Look Truths
As you all may know, we have been big supporters of second look and the possibilities for Second Chances. We are concerned about the new changes which allow the victim to deny a petition as well as the prosecutor if they fail to respond or write a letter against the petitioner receiving Second Look. With that said we are not getting bitter we are getting better! The next General Assembly session starts in about 10 months and there's no time to waste. If second look is passed as it is I do encourage everyone that it applies to to pursue your freedom. No bill will be perfect but if it presents an opportunity for you please apply it.__________________________________________2025 Good Time Initiative
In light of the adjustments made to Second Look we are already beginning our 2025 campaign for Good Time. If it was up to us we would be going for the 1995 abolishment of good time to be repealed, but it seems like things have a way of moving too slow. So with that being said, we are in full belief that if a person serves 365 days doing right, then they should get more than 55 days a year of good time. We have spoken to many lawmakers, churches, etc... And nobody thinks that this is right. If you serve 31 days you should get more than 4 days of good time. For those who don't have Earned Sentence Credit, Parole eligibility, or any other vehicle for second chances they need help. So get ready and be ready--- get your families ready, for it will take all of us to get change that's needed!* For us to really be successful you have to tell your families to prepare to make calls and emails. We'll also need families to visit their District lawmakers to express the need for change in 2025. So PLEASE be prepared for action and upcoming newsletters.___________________________________________* This is a letter that Angela recently sent all the delegates and senators that we supported. Just letting you know that we are working and pushing.
February 15, 2024
Greetings and Kindness,
Hoping everyone is well. Our organization sincerely thanks everyone who's worked so hard up to this Crossover point to better the Commonwealth. With Prison Reform being our vision and focus we've been encouraged and filled with anxiety at different points. A Round of Applause for the great work to End Solitary Confinement. In matters of Second Chances we still feel unheard in many ways. If a mistake was made, contrition in remorse expressed, and rehabilitation successful, there should be second chances.
The reality says that 1,000's and 1,000's of men and women are in Virginia DOC seeking hope! Many of these men and women have been infraction free for years, graduated, accomplished programs, and so much more. However they ONLY EARN 4 DAYS of good time a month----- 4 DAYS!!!I will never pretend to be a math specialist but that reality just doesn't sit right in my spirit. Does Second Chances lie in the moral defeat of 4 Days a month?
When we encouraged the men and women of doc to get their 25,000 families to vote, it was with promises of change. We had events all over Virginia echoing this promise right up until the November 7th election day. They showed up! Now I'm praying we can keep our part of that promise. Virginia NEEDS A REAL SECOND LOOK. Virginia needs a FAIR good time system, fair parole hearings, and fair justice. This letter officially kicks off our 2025 Initiative forF. A. I. R.Fair Accountable Invested Rehabilitation We will be seeking a fair good time system and REAL change for the 25,000 families missing a loved one.___________________________________________In Closing
Tell your family to Follow us on Facebook at The Forty Strong Please have them support the website at: The40Strong.com the last thing is when you're going to commissary make sure that you order 5 to 10 stamps because we will be doing a lot of letter writing in the near future. Tell those around you to buy stamps because getting real change is going to take some work. Thank everyone for reading the newsletter and please stay inspired because change is coming!

Chris 40 S.The40Strong.comTheForty Strong@Facebook.comthe40strong@gmail.com
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com .

 We have enclosed pictures of G.A. day and pictures of our special edition T-shirts on sale to support our newsletter that goes to 1100 members and upcoming events. If you would like to support please reach out via email and shirts are ready to ship! Thank You.

January 24, 2024

Greetings Members, Families and Friends!

The 2024 reform week General Assembly Lobby day was great! It was kicked off last Saturday with second look training by Sistas in Prison Reform and The Humanization Project at the Richmond public library. Then on MLK DAY we held our training with IAHR and host Natasha White in Norfolk which was free to the families. Then yesterday (Tuesday) Sistas in Prison Reform,ACLU Richmond, The Humanization Project, NOLEFTURNS, and others ascended on the Virginia General Assembly for the official Second Look Lobby Day. A press conference was held where Juanita from Sistas in Prison Reform gave a wonderful introduction of the Second Look Bill and why legislators should support it. The official Second Look Lobby day on Tuesday was a great success! Then today the 40 Strong, IAHR, and Virginia Justice Alliance hell our lobby days to great success again! Our organizations combined had over 25 meetings with various Delegates and Senators. I would definitely say that it went well and that the families showed up. The halls were packed and we sent four different groups FREEDOM, UNITY, JUSTICE, and EQUALITY to meetings from 9:45 am - 3:00 pm. The Big takeaway from this reform week so far is that people are showing up and the organizations are united! The 40 Strong is barely the seasoned organization that many of these others are but the other organizations  have always  made us feel welcome and apart of the process. We have to thank Natasha White, Jennifer Dalton, Ruth Henson, Ninenette Henson, Taj  Gibson, Sheba Williams, Paul Taylor, Chenoa Young, Shawn Waneta, Paulettra James,  Allison Kay, Santia, Nance, Jacque,  and so many others who helped with Reform Week. We will now be presenting the bills that are up and what we you can do to support them. A special shout out to Senator Creigh Deeds for being lead patron on the Second Look Bill and Delegate Holly Seibold for supporting and being the patron on several bills. Bills are nothing without support and that's what we have to do. Let's Go!!!!!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO Ms. Kennedy,
Margaret Breslau of CFJ, and Phil Wilayto for Being Pillars in this reform fight. We NEVER forget the years of work you put in when many didn't know how to fight!
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L.I.ST.  and  F.I.T Programs Update

We still have our participants for both programs and both will be sent out by February 7th. We really put ALL of our attention into the General Assembly. So programs are coming!!

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   Understanding Bills and Legislation     

The process of a bill being passed has many levels. The bill must first be written and shopped to a Delegate or Senator. After a Delegate or Senator agrees to be the patron of the bill it's pre filled. That same bill is this recommended to a committee such as Public Safety to be considered. Once it's received in a committee a hearing is set to hear bill and to let the public support it. If it passes it's then sent to the house or Senate for a vote. If it passes by a majority vote in both houses it's sent to Governor Youngkin to be signed into law.  The Governor can either sign or veto the law. If he signs it into law it will take  effect on July 1st of that year. 
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   Gossip and Rumors

We are asking everyone to quell the rumors of 65% passing, and earned sentence credits expanding. Nothing has been signed into law yet. Just wanted to address the rumors and untruths floating around. WHEN THINGS PASS IT WILL BE IN OUR NEWSLETTER.
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                             House Bills (HB)

HB 1244 Restorative housing and isolated confinement; restrictions on use. Solitary Confinement bill HB1244 Joshua G. Cole (D) Yes Public Safety
Email--- DelJCole@house.virginia.gov

HB 834 Second Look Bill Petition the courts after 15 years of incarceration  Rae Cousins(D)
Yes Passed Courts of Justice
Email-- DelRCousins@house.virginia.gov

HB 801 Electronic communication systems within state correctional facilities; free telephone calls. Free communications!! Delegate Sam Rasoul (D)
Yes Passed Public Safety Subcomittee
Email- DelSRasoul@house.virginia.gov

HB 45 Earned sentence credits; incarceration prior to entry of final order of conviction. Provides that any period of incarceration in any correctional facility for which a person was held on the charge of conviction, including any period of incarceration prior to conviction, shall be used in calculating such person's earned sentence credits. Delegate Holly Seibold (D) Yes Passed Courts of Justice
Email -DelHSeibold@house.virginia.gov

                    Senate Bills (SB)

SB 427 Second Look Bill allows one to  Petition the courts after 15+ years served for reduced sentence Senator Criegh Deeds (D) 
Yes Passed Courts of Justice Committee
senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov

SB 378 Free Communications Requires the Department of Corrections to provide telephone systems and web-based or electronic communications systems free of charge to any person, whether such person is initiating or receiving the communication SB378 Senator Jennifer Boysko (D) 
Yes Passed Passed Finance/Appropriations Committee
senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
* This would be for pod phone and Jp6 players

SB 80 Prisoner reentry; Department of Corrections
Requires the Department of Corrections to develop and implement a certificate of rehabilitation program for the purposes of assisting an inmate's successful transition from prison to society upon the person's discharge. The bill provides that no person who is awarded a certificate of rehabilitation shall have such person's criminal history constitute a barrier to employment.
The bill also provides that no person shall be refused a license, certificate, or registration to practice, pursue, or engage in any regulated occupation or profession within the Department of Health Professions solely because of a prior criminal conviction, unless the criminal conviction directly relates to the occupation or profession for which the license, certificate, or registration is sought.
The bill also establishes criteria for which a court must reduce a defendant's probation period, including completing qualifying educational activities, maintaining verifiable employment, and completing a mental health or substance abuse treatment program. The bill also provides that a court may decrease a defendant's probation period if warranted by the defendant's conduct and in the interests of justice and may do so without a hearing. Senator Barbara A. Favola (D) 
Yes Passed Committee
senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov

SB 456 Oversight bill Creates, within the Office of the State Inspector General, the Office of the Department of Corrections Ombudsman (the Office) headed by an Ombudsman who is selected by a Corrections Oversight Committee (the Committee), also created by the bill. The bill provides that the Committee is made up of four members of the General Assembly and 11 nonlegislative citizen members who monitor the activities of the Ombudsman and the Department of Corrections (the Department) SB456 Senator Mardsen 
senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov
*OVERSIGHT HAS Passed through and it's headed to Governor Youngkins desk to be signed 

SB 476 Earned sentence credits; inchoate offenses; concurrent and consecutive sentences.
Earned sentence credits; inchoate offenses; concurrent and consecutive sentences. Provides that a person who is convicted of an inchoate offense will earn sentence credits at the same rate as someone who is convicted of the completed offense for certain enumerated offenses. Senator Mark Peake
senatorpeake@senate.virginia.gov

SB 482 Expungement and sealing of juvenile court records. Expungement and sealing of juvenile court records. Provides for the sealing of juvenile court records in those instances where a juvenile was found guilty of a delinquent act that would be a felony if committed by an adult and such juvenile has attained the age of 18 years and three years have elapsed since the date of the last hearing in the case of such juvenile. Under current law, such records are open to the public. Senator Lashrecse D. Aird 
senatoraird@senate.virginia.gov

SB 23 Juveniles; adjudication of delinquency. Specifies that a delinquent child is a child 11 years of age or older who has committed a delinquent act. Currently, there is no minimum age for a child to be adjudicated delinquent. Senator Mamie E. Locke (D) 
senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov

SB 334 Plea agreements; prohibited provisions. Prohibits plea agreements from containing any provision that purports to waive, release, or extinguish a defendant's (i) rights under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 10 of the Constitution of Virginia; (ii) right to file a petition requesting expungement of the police records and the court records; or (iii) right to have criminal history record information and court records sealed. Senator Saddam Azlan Salim Yes
senatorsalim@senate.virginia.gov

SB 449 Juvenile parole; juvenile correctional centers. Juvenile parole; juvenile correctional centers. Provides that any person sentenced to a term of life imprisonment or who has a cumulative term of active sentences that total more than 20 years, regardless of whether such sentences were imposed during a single sentencing hearing or multiple sentencing hearings, SB449 Senator Mardsen (D) Yes
senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov

Note: There is also a bill that would require DOC to provide educational opportunities and college courses on your Jp6 players. We will update.
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  How To Support Bills

All bills listed has the bill patron listed and their email address. PLEASE have your family reach out to them via email to support the bill and ask how they can further support it. Here's the language to support a bill:
Hello Senator Deeds, my name is __________
and as a Taxpayer in Virginia I support 
SB 427 Second Look and how else can I support Second Look? I am willing to speak on behalf of Second Look for my loved one if needed. That's it! That's how your family will support a bill.
* Please have them follow us on Facebook
@TheForty Strong for info on how to support pending bills. 
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     General Assembly  Sunday Updates 

Okay so we are over 1100 members which means we will not be able to update you after each and every bill. So here's what you can do; have your family go to The Humanization Project on  Facebook every Sunday at 8pm for weekly updates and what's next. This session will be led by Shawn Waneta of the ACLU Richmond.
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         TheForty Strong @Facebook

Please have your family and friends follow us on Facebook. We ALWAYS have what's next and they'll have all the info needed to assist you. 
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            ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2025

We have already announced on our social media platforms that we will be pushing to repeal the 1995 abolishment of parole and good time. We believe that the last 30 years proves that this was a mistake by then Governor George Allen. We also want a level playing field for ALL Virginia DOC men and women! There's the Old Law, New Law, Fish Back Law, Earned Sentence Credit Law, Juvenile Law, Geriatric Law, Etc... That's not equal for ALL. Repealing the 1995 abolishment of parole law would not only be fair to all but it would also save Virginia taxpayers millions! This is a REAL task that will have to start very soon. We just believe that 2 people who committed the same offense should not be serving two different sentencing statutes, or one is eligible for parole and the other isn't, or one gets 30 days good time for 30 days served while the other gets 4 1/2 days a month. That's not right and we wanna fix this! THIS WILL TAKE A ALL HANDS ON DECK APPROACH. We will need you involved getting your families to call/email or visit the local district office to speak with your legislator about this. We will have more on this soon
stay ready!
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                    Be on Point!

As this new legislator works its way through this session, be aware that they will have 3 more years. That means that in 4 years Criminal Justice in Virginia will be completely overhauled. With that said this is the time to tighten up! Get in school, start a program, take a trade. When we say stay in positive, that's for a reason. There's no need in all us out here fighting for change if you got dumb charges and not doing nothing. We not telling you what to do but we are saying that change may come with requirements--- GED, Programs, Trade. This next 4 years is time to get it together if you haven't already. Silly beefs and wasting time is over! Listen to this...   We don't need 
NOBODY going home to do nothing stupid!!!
Listen again.... We don't need NOBODY going home to do nothing stupid!!! Because when you do something stupid it feeds the narrative, " keep them locked up!" " throw away the key!" etc.... So this is BIG picture cause there's 25,000 men and women who will be judged for what a few do. 
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       Support The 40 Strong T Shirts

As you know we do not solicit money or ask for donations. We would rather sell our 1st Edition one of a kind T Shirts and hats with proceeds being used to fund the newsletter
(1200 members), and upcoming events. PLEASE HAVE YOUR FAMILY EMAIL US AT
the40strong@gmail.com or follow our Facebook page TheForty Strong. 

To order your family a T-SHIRT  please send a $20 money order + $2.75 shipping and handling to:
                         The 40 Strong
                          p.o. box 6731
                 Chesapeake, Virginia 23323

*PLEASE WRITE ON A SHEET OF PAPER
Name, Address, T shirt size and we will ship one of our limited edition t shirts to your loved one from you. Thank you for your support!!! 
__________________________________________

                      In Closing 

As this General Assembly session continues, PLEASE search for accurate information. Your family can go to The Humanization Project on Facebook every Sunday at 8pm for weekly wrap ups until the session is over. In the meantime rally your supporters to prepare for our journey the 
Abolishment of Parole and Good Time on its 30 year anniversary in 2025. The 2025 General Assembly is only 11 MONTHS away so don't take it lightly. Some may say we're looking too far ahead but we'll say we're 30 years too far behind to not be looking ahead. Is it fair for some to get parole and while some don't? Or for some to get 15 days good time while someone else gets 
4 1/2 days? Both people committed the same crime! Is it okay for men and women to be charge free for years, go to school, graduate programs, acquire a trade and only gets 4 1/2 days good time a month? You're doing everything right and that should have incentives. So our focus is set---  be encouraged!

Chris 40 S.
The40Strong.com
TheForty Strong@Facebook.com
the40strong@gmail.com

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   November 27, 2023

Greetings Members, Families and Friends,

    Sending everyone great energy and positive vibes. We hope that the holiday were well for you and your family. We also want to thank everyone who has been pushing with us and supporting the movement and words, action, or deeds. As we've always said, it's all about UNITY when it comes to change. That's why we've always saluted other great organizations like RIHD, Justice Blacksburg, ACLU Richmond, The Humanization Project, Sistas In Prison Reform, The Defenders, The Unity Group, Justice Alliance, Voice of the Voiceless, Freedom Over Everything, NoLefTurns, Virginia Prisons Accountability,Incarcerated Lives Matter Virginia foundation, Virginia Coalition of Solitary Confinement,  Ketchmore Kids, P.E.A.C.E., Natasha White, Paul Taylor, Chenoa Young, Angela Antoine,  and anyone I forgot please forgive me... The point being, there are many organizations in great people who are fighting this fight. Many are returning citizens and many are just average American citizens who disagree with how the criminal justice system works. So the 40 strong and all of our members give them thanks and big salutes!!! ___________________________________________    Humanization Project Town Hall
The Humanization Project is having a town hall on the upcoming General Assembly focus and ideas. This town hall will be on Facebook on Monday November 27th at 8:00 p.m.. we are hoping that if you get this that you can get your mother or your girl or somebody to check it out and get the information that will be provided. The 40 strong will be there virtually to support and listen to the direction of the 2024 General Assembly. Pass This On!___________________________________________    40 Strong Advocacy Training
PLEASE get your family/friends involved in our advocacy day. We have partnered with Natasha White to give families of Tidewatertraining before our January 17th Advocacy day. The training will also be live streamed for those who can't make it to Tidewater. LISTEN!!!! DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THIS TRAINING. This will prepare your families to speak to lawmakers and how to act on your behalf. Here's the info:           January 16th 2024 10am-2pm                     Designer Depot                      3676 Sewell's Point Road                      Norfolk, Virginia * If your families have questions please call  #318-295-5343 Natasha --------------------------------------------------------------------- Membership and Our Website
We are still adding those who were kicked out of our last contact. We are asking our members to get others involved and to stay active. If someone in your part has a voice and wants change, please send their state number. If there are members who were previously contacts please send their state number so that we can add them again.---------------------------------------------------------------------             40 Strong Advocacy Day
Our official advocacy day will be January 17, 2024 9am-3pm. We will have breakfast, lunch, and gas cards for your families. As of now we are hoping to meet at offices of ACLU Richmond but will have official location in December 15th Special EditionGeneral Assembly Call to Action newsletter. We are also happy to announce that candidate for delegate Susana Gibson had reached out to join us on January 17th! We will be happy to have her and we also have a couple delegates reaching out to meet families on that date. So mark January 17th on your calendar!!___________________________________________
 Our 5 Legislative Initiatives for 2024
What's The changing of the guard after the election, we have been trying to put together a priority list. We thought about pro, fishback, conditions, reentry, earn sentence credits etc... We also know that we will not accomplish everything in January but we do have four years to make progress. With that said, we also don't want to tread lightly because our voting block spoke and people want change. So these will be at 5 points of focus for the general assembly.#1 REINSTATING PAROLE~ we believe that this has to be on top of the list, because more than anything people want freedom! Our opinion on this is that Virginia has too many laws; hola new law fits back law juvenile law earn since credit law etc... We found this to be unconstitutional to have 25,000 men and women serving different sentences of the same crimes. We believe that one law reinstating parole in 30 for 30 good time will be fair and impartial to all. That can be accomplished simply by voting to remove the 1995 statue which will automatically reinstate parole and make it retroactive.#2 SECOND LOOK~ we Believe family that Second look will be a beautiful opportunity for those who've done to work to gain Second Chances. Second Look gained a lot of steam last year and even passed the Senate but had trouble in the house. Second look will provide for judges to reconsider sentences and shorten the time of those who deserve it. This sort of reconsideration by judges has been tried in Maryland and many other states with great success. Why not and trust a judge who sent someone to also modify their sentence because of that person's great behavior or steps to change?#3 PAROLE PROCESS OVERHAUL~ one of the biggest issues we have with our members is not receiving a fair parole hearing. This also applies to FISHBACK, JUVENILE, and GERIATRIC! We will be asking legislators to look at the parole process and address issues like serious nature of the crime being stated 15, 20, 25 times as reason for denial. The mistake that a person made will never change, but their life and choice to change themselves can. We want a fair and impartial parole board that will grant parole on a person's remorse, rehabilitation, and potential to reintegrate into society. #4 VIRGINIA DOC HEALTH AND WELLNESSWe will be asking DOC and lawmakers as well, to look at the style of corrections currently. That means is everything about punishment? Are there adequate enough programs that match today's society? Can doing time be more incentive based? Can jp6 players with phone compatibility be provided to stop violence over the phones? More mental health professionals be hired to deal with the trauma and emotional effects of incarceration. We don't believe that people are just using drugs. Much of this is due to incarceration, the current system of no incentive to do good, and even things like covid and not being able to see family for periods of time. Can the newly formed ombudsman office secure more structure in regards to food, medical, and rehabilitation?#5 ENDING SOLITARY ~ in the past we have been biased to approaching reform from a freedom only objective. Although our primary goal is second chances, we have grown to realize that conditions do matter! And one of those conditions that have done the most harm, has been the prolong time in solitary confinement. We are thankful to Natasha White and the Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement on the real effects of physical isolation. So we will be asking lawmakers to cap the amount of time and solitary or restrictive housing to 14 days if you are not a threat or did not commit an act of violence. We would like people who do not pose a threat to be returned to housing and population within 14 days or transferred to a suitable facility. We do understand that if someone's a threat that solitary confinement might have to be used for a period of time for the safety of the facility. However, it matters of simple infractions or things not deemed a violent threat, prolonged segregation is not a good for them or the facility.
      In Closing on 5 Legislative Initiatives
We do understand that there are vital things that we may have missed. Especially things like expanding the earned sentence credit good time law, and even things like 65% or a meaningful good time law to promote good behavior. However, initiatives like reinstating parole and even second look can provide those same opportunities for good time and second chances. We are very sympathetic to all the individual issues from fish back, to juvenile, excessive sentencing, and even those facing the mandatory minimum law. We can assure you that there are many other organizations and advocates who will be addressing some of these in this year's general Assembly. It was our goal to pick the top five that we feel could affect the most people. We do want you guys opinion please keep in mind that this first general assembly session is less than 2 months away so we're in a crunch. I will say this though---- change will come!___________________________________________Active Dad's and Father's Initiative Training
A HUGE Congrats to all those who have signed up for the active days and fathers initiative training program. You will receive your first lesson on December 1st and we will be providing your child/children a gift at Christmas from you. Once you complete the first two sessions, we will get your child's info and their gift will arrive before Christmas. Anyone who is not signed up yet we will start a new class February 1st. Let's keep in mind that your physical removement from your child's life, does not alter the impact that you can still have. Talk to them, give them advice, tell them you love them, please stay involved.___________________________________________ 40 Gift Store Catalog
We have been sending the catalog to the facilities and we are unsure if they're being held by doc. The 40 strong gift store is a licensed LLC and we are providing a much-needed service. We do know about the new policy regarding mail being sent to the receiving center, but we also know that that starts on January 1st 2024. So the catalog that we are sending you should be able to receive them. If you are still interested please send your name, state number, and address so that we can get one out to you for Christmas. *For those who participated in our free Christmas gift initiative, we do have your information----------------------------------------------------------------------

 National Alliance on Mental Illness
Great news!!! We have reached out and currently looking to form a partnership with NAMI which is the National Alliance on Mental Illness to get resources for members of DOC. If you are struggling with mental health please reach out to them and let them know your situation and that you need resources to help you. Please let them know that you are 40 strong member or if you refer someone please tell them to express that the 40 strong refer them                           NAMI         4301 Wilson Blvd suite#300            Arlington, Virginia 22203
*And do whatever is best to maintain your thinking and emotions.----------------------------------------------------------------------   Education is Key
As of July 1, 2023, all provisions of the FAFSA Simplification Act related to incarcerated students are active. This means that the Pell Grant is now available to all qualified incarcerated people to further pursue post-secondary education for jobs with livable wages.
Contact:1-800-433-3243 please have your family call to receive application As many of you may know, education is very high on our list. We will be sending all the education information that we've had in past newsletters for those who were deleted from our previous contact.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------                Second Chance Letter Initiative
Please continue letters to Governor Youngkin andlead speaker of the General Assembly Don Scott.We are asking for how you've changed, your sincere remorse for the mistake, and all the positive things you'll do when released. Please state that you are a 40 Strong member and will be involved in community outreach and mentorship to our to youth. You should be able to get 15-20 letters out of your pod. That comes down to focus, paper, pen, and a 65¢ stamp--- Let's Go!
Governor Glenn Youngkin
Office of the Governor
p.o. box 1475
Richmond, VA 23218

Honorable Don Scott
355 Crawford street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
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                            Final Words from Angela 
Hello to everyone... I'm thankful for all the great messages and well wishes that I received. I am resting and following the orders of my doctor. I did want to speak today though on being ready! Because if you stay ready you won't have to get ready. Are you ready??? If legislation is passed providing Second Chances in January are you ready for freedom? Are you ready to go home and be a productive member of society? Are you ready to be a husband or wife? Are you ready to work 8 to 10 hours a day and stay focused? Are you ready to be a parent and guide your children the right way? These all the things that we have to think about when we're talking about Second Chances. Because we cannot afford for anyone to go home and do something that will set Second Chances behind. So I'm asking you if you are not ready PLEASE get ready! I'm amazed by all of the returning citizens that I see during the work. These men and women have returned to society to open businesses, run nonprofits, and make an impact on their community. We have to keep that up! For those who are ready please stay ready. My best to you and your families.

Chris 40 S.The40Strong.com
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 November 2, 2023
Greetings Members, Family, & Friends----
    I hope this reaches you well and I wish the same for your family. It's been a trying week but that all comes with the job. So last week while we were sending out 865 newsletters, we did not find out we were blocked until an hour later. When we spoke to JPay it was said you are not allowed to have more than one contact. When we reached out to the corporate office and let them know that we are a licensed organization, they said there's nothing wrong with reaching out to multiple people. So we reached out to Director Dotson and several other DOC admin, and just explain what we do. We explain the hundreds of emails we've gotten of our members doing great things. We explained that we are only trying to add positive and motivational input to our members in DOC. We even expressed that we are not anti-DOC and we do not ask our members to do anything negative. We did not receive any resistance so we are loading names back up on this account to reach out to you. We unfortunately did not get to keep our whole contact list, so we will say you guys are the golden members! So with that said we'll keep this short and brief and give y'all some information.....___________________________________________
Please continue to tell your family to vote because Tuesday is coming fast. That means hit people up on the phone or on jpay and just let him know that their voice counts. I feel like we have exhausted our voice on telling you guys to vote and now that choice is on you. If your family needs more information on voting please have them go to the website at:The40STRONG.COM___________________________________________
    The 40 Strong Fundraiser Focus
We will be doing several fundraisers leading into Christmas to help children and families in need. If you have something in mind close to your facility and can organize the contact, we will definitely support. That could be in elementary school, a seniors facility, or anyone else who would need help during the holidays. Our focus for 2024 is taking the 40 Strong to the next level by impacting our communities. That means we will be doing more fundraising, youth mentorship, informing partnerships in our communities with our members. We hope that you are ready for this challenge and this is going to be a beautiful partnership involving your passion for a second chance in the need for positivity in society. We will have more info on this in December's newsletter.___________________________________________         Our Last Event of 2023!!!!!!
We have partnered with our women members to have our last event of the year. Here's the info and get your family to come out!                  Locust Shade Park               4701 locust shade drive                Triangle, Virginia 22172
* Great speakers, community enrichment, food, and families will speak for their loved ones. If your family comes they will get to speak on your behalf or read something from you.---------------------------------------------------------------------                General Assembly Call
We all know that the general assembly is only 2 1/2 months away. We are asking you to get your families involved now. If they would like to come out for one day to advocate on your behalf at the general assembly please have them reach us at:the40strong@gmail.comJust let them know to let us know that they're interested and we will start the process. The general assembly is where the laws and bills are voted on in past. So the more support that we have there it will have a direct effect on lawmakers decisions.----------------------------------------------------------------------               NEWS YOU CAN USE
*We will be starting an Active Dance program in 2024. This will help younger men and fathers be more influential on their children. More info in December's newsletter.* Angela has sent her love to everyone and it's very excited about Tuesday. Angela will be taking a break though to recharge from almost 3 years of hard work. Please keep her in your prayers as she takes time to rest.*We will be sponsoring two more of our members to receive higher education in 2024. Responsor two members this year and they are doing wonderful and their courses and are receiving excellent grades.              ___________________________________________                     Nairobi Speaks
Greetings ladies of 40 strong, it’s always a pleasure to speak with you all.

 I was asked by my business partner, friend, and cofounder to write  something motivational for the upcoming women’s event. He asked me to write something that will inspire the ladies to encourage their family members to go out and vote. However, at the moment when he asked me, I didn’t feel very motivating. I struggled with the thought of do I want to force myself to write something motivational or should I just write what I really feel. I chose to write what I feel....

 You see the first thought that came to my mind when I thought about prison, women, and voting, was the eight years that I served in the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. I thought about how I struggled and fought for change,--- a change within myself. A change to be someone different than what society had created and labeled me to be. A change to be better for my community, I wanted to change to not disappoint the people that supported and believed in me. I wanted to change to show the system that the deviant young girl that came in was no longer me!
As I watch the elections every year, all I could think about is how I couldn’t wait to vote. How I would cast my vote at every opportunity I was given. After I finished parole, I couldn’t wait to stand at the polls and let my voice be heard, but not only my voice---- ALL the women's voices that I had left behind that was still fighting.
If we want to see change in our community then we must vote.  If we want change in our justice system we must vote! Do you know why there is no justice??? It’s because the right people are not in the right positions, and it is our job, our duty, our responsibility to put the right people in the right positions that will bring about CHANGE.
So ladies please encourage your family and friends to go out and vote!

Vote to Create Change

Vote for equal Justice

Vote with Hope for a better future

Vote for Freedom

Vote because everyone deserves a Second chance

Vote with Determination

Vote with Desperation

JUST VOTE!               Nairobi___________________________________________
      Needing more from our members
In light of us pretty much starting over for 150 people, we are now asking more for my members. We are looking to start sending in printed newsletters that you could get copies and get some more people at your facility. We are looking for our members to be mentors and have more impact at their facilities. We are looking at ways to help you all be it JPay stamps media or trust fund that could help. Our first go now though is organizing positive things with the community. The second thing is getting the families to reach out to us about coming to the General Assembly. If you would like more responsibility and is ready to take that next step please let us know. Also, please let us know if you received your catalogs. ___________________________________________                           Final Thoughts....
This will conclude our newsletter for November. Please feel free to review it again and make sure that you tell all those around you to vote. If I was around you would like to receive the newsletters ( especially current members ) please send their names to be added. Please stay safe and positive for help is on the way! 
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