Illinois Prison Project

05/29/2026

⏰ TUESDAY is our next free online legal clinic for loved ones of people incarcerated in Illinois, where you can ask our legal team questions about pathways out of prison and other resources. You are NOT alone!
Register at https://ow.ly/5r7K50YnNCk

05/28/2026

This Lunch & Learn explores what it means to truly center women in prison reforms spaces. Women are the life-blood of reform movements. From women organizing on the inside to the mothers, sisters, wives, and girlfriends who support incarcerated loved ones, to the advocates fighting in courtrooms and legislative halls, women have been at the forefront of this movement for decades. And yet, conversations surrounding prison reform often exclude or silo women, centering the experiences and needs of incarcerated men. In today’s conversation, we will discuss the many reasons our system subjugates our sisters to the shadows and what we can do to change that. What does it really mean to center women in the fight for justice?

05/27/2026

Join the IPP Associate Board for this family-friendly community event that centers the creativity and resilience of system-impacted people, through 🎵 music, 🎨 visual art and 🎤spoken word -- all while supporting IPP's mission to end mass incarceration. 💪🏾
Tickets include light refreshments and access to a collection of artworks by formerly incarcerated leaders.

🗓️ Saturday, June 13
🕐 1:00-3:00 PM
📍The Blk Room: 4015 W Carroll Ave in Chicago
🎟 RSVP at: https://illinoisprisonproject.networkforgood.com/events/101306-voices-of-freedom-an-ipp-associate-board-art-showcase

05/26/2026

Want to help end mass incarceration in Illinois? 📢 Sign up for our monthly newsletter and be the first to get updates on our work, client stories, events, legal resources, and ways to get involved. Join our movement!
illinoisprisonproject.org/contact

05/23/2026

Everyone deserves a second chance — but right now, too many Illinois families are navigating the legal system alone.

💪🏾 The IL Access to Justice program helps make legal representation possible - including IPP's work freeing people trapped in excessive prison sentences - but it needs full funding to meet the need. We need state leaders to invest $50 million so families aren’t left behind.

⏱️ Got 30 seconds? Take action at https://actionnetwork.org/letters/protect-illinois-families-fully-fund-access-to-justice-at-50-million?source=IPP

05/21/2026

Yesterday, dozens of supporters went to our state capitol in Springfield to fight for policies that would help end mass incarceration in Illinois.
For many of our supporters, the fight is personal, including formerly incarcerated clients and those with loved ones who are still trapped inside.

05/20/2026

This month's 🍎 Lunch & Learn explores what it means to truly center women in prison reform spaces. Women have always been powering our movement - organizing on the inside, supporting incarcerated loved ones, or advocating in court and the statehouse. Yet, prison reform often excludes women. Together, we will discuss the many reasons our system subjugates our sisters and how we can change that.
Register at https://illinoisprisonproject.networkforgood.com/events/101425-may-virtual-lunch-learn-justice-for-all-centering-women-in-the-fight-for-prison-reform

05/18/2026

What a special day for the IPP family!
Yesterday, we celebrated the law school graduation of IPP Women & Survivors Law Clerk Tashi Gordillo (right) and IPP Policy and Communications Director Marshan Allen (left).
Marshan received a life sentence for his minor role in an offense that occurred when he was 15 years of age, but was released after almost 25 years because of the US Supreme Court’s decision in Miller vs. Alabama. Since his release in 2016, Marshan has become a leading advocate in the fight against mass incarceration and excessive sentencing. He also found time to earn his bachelor's degree, and now earn a J.D. from Kent College of Law.
Congrats to our grads -- We can't wait to see what you do next!

05/17/2026

When IPP clients are freed from incarceration, they are in need of basic necessities like clothing, coats, shoes, and toiletries. 🥾🧤🧥🧼
You can help those who are re-entering the community by contributing to IPP's Re-Entry Wishlist on Amazon. Each item you purchase goes directly to someone impacted by incarceration, helping them start their new life.
Purchase items at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/222BO0IM6MMF7/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex?

05/15/2026

IPP Education Director Renaldo Hudson and Ambassador Stanley Howard celebrated their cohort graduation 🎓 from College Unbound, which turns lived experience into college credit and community change. Their graduating cohort has experienced a combined 100 years of incarceration, showing the unlimited power of second chances. ✨

🎤 Watch the full story on Chicago This Week:

This month, IPP Education Director Renaldo Hudson and Ambassador Stanley Howard celebrated their cohort graduation from College Unbound, which turns lived ex...