Spring 2025 Newsletter

May 27, 2025

Greetings-

Time Heals All Wounds

As we return from Memorial Day, we continue to recognize all the brave people who have served in the United States military and died in the line of duty. We acknowledge the price that they have paid in service of our country and the cost to their children and families. The pain and loss of military families are very human experiences and similarly shared by children and families of those who are, and have been, incarcerated. Of course, we understand the circumstances are different: one of honor and the other rifled with shame and stigma. Regardless, in times of loss children and families require support and resources that aid in healing. The phrase “time heals all wounds” is true for some but for many that healing has not yet come. The first step towards healing is acknowledgement, one of the many reasons that Memorial Day will always be important for military families.   

In this Moment

Here at NRCCFI, we understand that acknowledgement and affirmation is an important and necessary component of healing for children and families of the incarcerated. This is why the Center offers a range of resources that aid parents, educators, medical professionals, public servants and others engaged in this foundational practice.    

We are aware of the uncertainty that nonprofit and grassroots organizations, schools, and public institutions are facing at this moment. Many are navigating the changing landscape through partnerships, alternative funding sources and/or designing creative strategic initiatives that weather current and future unexpected changes and lead to long term sustainable structures and policies.   

In the midst of this uncertainty, never forget that our body of knowledge and evolving community of practice has grown exponentially together. We now have youth, young adults and people with lived experience leading the field in areas of research, healing, education, training, advocacy and movement building. The field will continue to grow because of people like you. People who believe in humanity, community, and the pursuit of liberty.  

What You Can Expect From the NRCCFI

We are here to be a guiding force in this work. In 2018 our founder and beloved friend, Ann Adalist Estrin, delivered a keynote address entitled “Ethical Dilemmas – 12 Guiding Principles for Responding to the Needs of Children and Families Impacted by the Justice System in the Age of Technology.” Today, these principles are even timelier and more relevant. The NRCCFI will uphold and deliver on the vision created by our founder by: 

• Disseminating accurate data
• Training, inspiring, preparing and connecting those working in and around the field
• Guiding family strengthening policy and practice
• Including youth, young adults, and families in defining the problem and designing solutions

The NRCCFI is available to provide speakers, trainers and organizational development support virtually and in-person. Starting in Fall 2025, we will begin a webinar series on pressing issues in the field. And, we want to hear from you! Let us know what is happening in your state and local communities. We want to know about programs and services that are impactful, the joys and lessons learned, creative partnership and funding strategies and champions and trailblazers in the field.  Together, we will continue to move forward for children and families impacted by mass incarceration.