LION springs into March
You are invited to Write, Advocate, and Learn with us
"The Fairbanks Correctional Center has lifted its suspension on visitors."
EVENT INVITE: Writing Resilience: Making Meaning of the Bounce Back from Trauma
LION is funding Jody Hassel to provide a free, all-day virtual writing workshop on March 26: “Writing Resilience: Making Meaning of the Bounce Back from Trauma.” Join us in experiencing the power of writing. We can all learn how to use writing as a way of being, an expression of self that leads to restoration, transformation, and strength.
Follow HB 118: SMS Bill Tracking!
Text the bill number (HB118) to 559-245-2529 to enroll in text alerts. You will receive an enrollment confirmation and instructions on how to stop receiving the alerts.
The intent of this bill is to remove the restriction prohibiting a prisoner from possessing a computer in their cell, expanding access to safe and secure internet for purposes of rehabilitation and reintegration, and to provide prisoners with easier access to state identification upon release.
Support LION member Help People and Businesses Get-By
Get-By is currently enrolling small businesses and workers in Alaska to participate in a pilot program prior to a public launch.
- Do you know of businesses in Anchorage or Fairbanks that would be willing to employ justice-involved individuals?
- Do you know previously incarcerated individuals looking to pick up extra shifts?
HB 118 Sponsor Statement
HB 118 creates an easier process of reentry and rehabilitation for inmates and lessens the risk of reoffending. By allowing access to safe and secure internet, inmates are better able to prepare themselves for reentry into the outside world. According to a study released by the Department of Justice, 68% of prisoners are arrested again within three years, 83% during the following nine years. One of the key reasons for reoffending is the difficulty prisoners face securing employment post incarceration. Access to online job training, therapy and visitation helps to alleviate the risk of reoffending. Another important element of this bill is it provides easier access to identification for prisoners upon release, allowing them an important tool for reintegration. Both expanding internet access for prisoners and providing prisoners with easier access to state identification help ease the difficulties of reentry and will help to lower the risk of recidivism.