The AFOI mission is to prevent the breakdown of relationships among inmates and their families by providing regular, meaningful visitation, support and education services. Our services help prepare families for a successful transition when the inmate is released from prison. AFOI is one of only a handful of such programs to provide these services in Virginia and across the United States.
About AFOI
The AFOI mission is to prevent the breakdown of relationships among inmates and their families by providing regular, meaningful visitation, support and education services. Our services help prepare families for a successful transition when the inmate is released from prison. AFOI is one of only a handful of such programs to provide these services in Virginia and across the United States.
AFOI services include:
- Regular visiting-day transportation on Saturdays to 30 Virginia prisons, correctional centers, correctional units and work centers
- A children’s visitation program
- A hot meal when buses return at the end of the visiting day, coordinated by our dedicated volunteers
- Individual and group services that help families cope with the emotional and survival issues associated with having an incarcerated loved one
- Assistance to families and inmates with resource referrals to other agencies that aid with education, legal issues, housing, employment, childcare, etc.
- Information on prison rules and visiting policies and procedures
- The Milk and Cookies (MAC) Children’s Program in Blackwell, Swansboro, Bellemeade, Oak Grove, Summer Hill, Ruffin Road and Woodville Elementary Schools
- Other collaborative, community efforts including All God’s Children Summer Camp through the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Many opportunities for community involvement through volunteering
Who do you serve?
Last year (2006-2007) AFOI provided over 2,900 visits to Virginia correctional facilities. Our program participants are primarily African-American women and children; over 95% of our families report an annual income of less than $15,000.