Webinar January 12, 2022
Five Keys Home Free: Providing Trauma-Centric Transitional Housing for Criminalized Survivors of Domestic Violence
Criminalized survivors of domestic violence who have served decades in prison for killing their batterers, or because they were present under the coercion of their abuser during the commission of a crime, are slowly being paroled after serving extremely long sentences in California prisons. Their release is a long overdue attempt to right a horrific wrong – with a reduction of severe sentences that, under recent legislation and criminal justice reforms, would never have been imposed. Unfortunately, the current protocol is to send these newly-released women to drug-treatment programs even when they have never had or currently have, substance abuse problems. This is because the state didn’t anticipate the release of those sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP) and has no other options in place. After decades of confinement and lack of autonomy, they are being forced into these drug treatment programs, further delaying their solid pathway to self-determination and a transition back into society, the transition they so rightly deserve.
Free for members / $25 for non-members
All registrants will receive a recording of this webinar offering. Closed captions will be provided during the webinar. A transcript will be sent to all registrants afterwards.
SPEAKERS
Sunny Schwartz has worked in criminal justice for 40 years, creating programs for mostly incarcerated violent men. She will take participants behind-the-scenes of an innovative and transformative program targeted specifically to meet the unique needs of these women. She is founder of Five Keys Home Free, a transitional housing program specifically designed for mature convicted survivors to help assist the transition into the 21st century. The program provides dignified practical and emotional support as the women take their first steps toward determining their own future. Home Free programs include: recovery from trauma, survivor empowerment, job training, financial and computer literacy and housing assistance, case management within a supportive peer community.
Susan Bustamante will share the challenging and exhilarating experience of reentering our society after 31 years in prison reuniting with her daughters, grandsons and great grandson and granddaughter as well as her life commitment to work with and mentor other survivors inside and transitioning to brighter tomorrows.