At Bending the Bars,
We believe a past mistake should not define someone’s future. We support incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, youth, and families with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and move forward with purpose
Our Mission
Bending the Bars, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to criminal justice and prison reform by supporting incarcerated individuals, victims, and at-risk youth through early release advocacy, reentry assistance, restorative healing, community education, and youth prevention programs that dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline and promote equity, accountability, and transformation.
Faces of Freedom
Meet Herbert Foster: Our First Parole Candidate Who Was Released
On July 24, Bending the Bars received the news we had prayed and advocated for: Mr. Herbert Foster was granted parole after 29 years in prison and five parole hearings. Incarcerated at 23 and now 52, Mr. Foster demonstrated his commitment to change through 13 years without an infraction, sustained employment, and completion of more than 10 educational and personal development programs. Upon release, he will reunite with his wife in North Carolina and enter a reentry program offering employment training, guaranteed employment, financial education, and assistance opening a bank account. We acknowledge the seriousness of his conviction and the life that was lost while recognizing the importance of accountability, rehabilitation, and the possibility of redemption. His journey reflects years of preparation for the opportunity to rebuild. We are honored to have advocated alongside Mr. Foster and his family as he prepares for this next chapter.
