It can take an incarcerated person weeks of strenuous work to afford even just a stick of deodorant.

You would think that being “property of a state,” where work detail and programs are required, one would be provided with the bare necessities. But upon entry into prison, we are provided with minimal toiletries, like soap, deodorant, and lotion. These items may last during our two-week stay in intake, but once they are gone, we’re on our own. Aft ...

Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall was a fierce advocate for equality and justice with decades of service to Vera.

Catie Marshall (R) with Vera co-founder Herb Sturz (L). Catherine “Catie” Cox Marshall, an accomplished public servant and admired member of the Vera community, passed away on Sunday, October 26, surrounded by family at her home in Brooklyn, New York. The daughter of Vera’s first board chair Burke Marshall, Catie started her career early. At a morn ...

These crime survivors and the leader of a crime survivors organization highlight the need for sentencing that focuses on healing and change, not just punishment.

Legislators often invoke crime survivors to justify draconian criminal justice practices, such as lengthy prison sentences. Yet, many people who have experienced harm at the hands of others oppose these harsh practices and support restorative justice and second chances. Survivors and criminal justice reform advocates Alexia Pitter, Shaneva McReyno ...