We will carry the love, gratitude, and shared commitment to justice we experienced in Philadelphia as we look to the work ahead. We hope you will consider making a contribution to the CFSY to ensure we have the resources we need to continue our efforts: cfsy.org/donate

In a city that once held the heartbreaking distinction of having the most people serving juvenile life without parole sentences, we gathered to witness something powerful: freedom, healing, and the enduring strength of our community.

They anticipate the joy of fatherhood, the reunion with a mentor who has served over 51 years, and the opportunity to lead reentry workshops. These are the beautiful futures they are building—futures of growth, service, and connection–a testament to the power of a second chance.

But most profoundly, their hopes were deeply rooted in community. They look forward to seeing more people come home, to mentoring others, and to helping those of any age who are in need.

Their answers were a powerful reflection of their dreams for the future. They spoke of personal milestones, from celebrating a one-year freedom anniversary to finishing a book and signing up for a master's degree. They shared professional ambitions, like growing a business.

As we look towards the future, we hope you will consider making a gift to the CFSY to ensure we have the resources we need to build off this momentum in 2026: cfsy.org/donate/

We dedicated this gallery to the extraordinary life and legacy of Agnes Gund, whose belief in the power of art and justice helped make freedom possible for more than 1,200 people once condemned to life without parole as kids.

At our Freedom Celebration CFSY’s Angel Alejandro and ICAN member Ken Sanford, an artist currently incarcerated in Pennsylvania, co-curated this immersive art gallery showcased the dignity, resilience, and humanity of individuals once sentenced to life without parole as children.

Rehabilitation isn't just a hopeful idea. It's a neurological reality. The science demands we give every child a second chance.

🧠 The brain can heal. Research confirms that changes in brain function from childhood stress can be reversed.
🔮 You can't predict the future. The same research states it's scientifically impossible to determine that any child is incapable of rehabilitation.

Your gift will fuel the fight to end extreme sentences for kids, uplift the leaders who survived them, and pave the way to freedom for those still waiting for their second chance: bit.ly/CFSYgift

His vision calls us to get proximate — to stay close to suffering, to those forgotten, and to the hope that transformation is always possible.

We are deeply grateful to honor Bryan’s extraordinary legacy and to continue the fight alongside him.

The inaugural Survivors' Retreat was a powerful reminder of the importance of community care in our movement.

Together, we showed how the divides caused by violence, harm, loss, and pain can be healed, and how our collective sense of community can be restored.

Between these powerful circles, we shared meals, took time for reflection, and found joy in healing activities, a karaoke night, and gathering by the fire pit. Many people arrived feeling depleted but left feeling “filled up.”