The Smithfield Pennsylvania Lifer's Association (PLA) held its Annual Family Forum on August 15. Seventeen inmates, 19 guests, three members from the PA Prison Society and SCI Smithfield staff assembled in the visiting room for the event.
Inmates shared anecdotes and words of motivation, and family members shared their stories of how they live with having a loved one incarcerated.
Also joining them were representatives from Coalition Against Death by Incarceration (CADBI), who spoke about their work in the Philadelphia area and about upcoming bills that could affect lifers in prison.
A question-and-answer session allowed family members to respond to inquiries pertaining to the growth they have seen in their incarcerated loved ones, different ways their lives are affected, and how the inmates could help make their families' lives better on the outside. Speakers emphasized networking through social media, utilizing their local elected officials and attending the organized rallies in their region.
This annual event is a very positive and informative experience for both inmates and their families.