Supporting Our
FIRST AND
Foremost
The Family Support Network (FSN) is a support system for Black people, especially women, whose loved ones are serving life sentences in Maryland. Nothing is more important to us than breaking down the barriers that isolate us. We know all too well the uncertainty and shame that forces family members into a place of invisibility and isolation. We share in each others’ struggles and successes, because we are all going through it together.
This support system gives us strength. Together, we can recognize the power we have and build a strong advocacy network that makes systems accountable to US.
We fight for basic rights, visibility, humanity, and dignity for ourselves — for Black women supporting their loved ones. One step at a time, FSN helps introduce our members to the possibilities of advocacy and we help lead efforts to coordinate among partners to bring home people serving long sentences through advocacy.
HOW FSN CAN SUPPORT YOU
1. A Safe Space
We’re here to support each other, whether that is bearing witness to the hardship of not getting to see a loved one, dealing with the significant financial aspects of having a loved one inside, supporting families through the transition of receiving loved ones returning from lengthy sentences, or cheering each other on and finding hope in others’ experiences.
2. Reliable Information
We know how hard it is to separate rumors from reality. We exchange accurate information about what’s taking place in Maryland, including changes to laws, in the courts, in parole, and prison policies and processes. Increase your understanding and ability to achieve change!
3. Navigating Resources
We do our best to help our members figure out if there is someone who can help them and to provide advice about navigating systems like the prison system or the court system.
4. Advocacy
We advocate in the legislature and with the prison system to ensure that family members are able to stay in touch with and maintain relationships with incarcerated loved ones and for improved conditions behind the wall based on what our members need.
The FSN Advisory Board is primarily Black women who joined FSN’s monthly support meetings as members and who demonstrated their deep commitment to the organization over time.
Every member of our organization either has an incarcerated loved one or is a returning citizen.
Meet our advisory board
How can you
get involved
The Family Support Network is a growing support system, resource and advocacy network by and for family members, returning citizens, and people inside serving lengthy prison sentences with an explicit focus on racial justice.
Join our monthly support group and receive help, advice, or extend your support network.
We are always looking for financial support to assist our incarcerated loved ones and their families.
Our monthly meetings, exclusively for family members or returning citizens, are the second Saturday of each month.
Join Us