Help us fund the Surviving Justice retreat and sustain this annual event.

Fighting the injustice system to get the best outcomes for our loved ones is vital work, but it takes a toll.

The Surviving Justice retreat gives families directly impacted by the carceral system a chance to recharge, strategize, be in community, and most importantly, be joyful together.

This intergenerational retreat allows our community to come together in person to connect, document our wins in interviews and videos, laugh, play, and heal.

Many attendees of the Surviving Justice retreat have never left the DMV. It is magical to witness our young people experience the ocean for the first time, to watch people make their first s'mores, to see a child whose parent is being held away from them in a cage laughing and splashing in a pool.

Our group healing ceremony provides an intentional way for us to release the bondage and grips of the past and prepare for the freedom of the future.

This time of joy, connection and refocusing revitalizes families, loved ones, and the Community Defense core team to re-engage the work ahead with greater capacity. Celebrating our wins together in person reinvigorates our bodies, minds and spirits for the year ahead.

Your donation will help pay for transportation, housing, and shared meals for attendees.

2025 Life After Release Surviving Justice Retreat

Donations will help pay for the transportation, housing and shared meals.

Team Members