Our Mission
IAHR is a cross-cultural coalition of people of faith and their allies. We educate and advocate in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia for correction systems that end inhumane practices, such as solitary confinement, and instead focus on rehabilitation and successful reentry.
Our Vision
IAHR envisions changing the prison system to one that emphasizes rehabilitation rather than punishment. Specifically, IAHR envisions correction systems that:
- Is free of racism,
- Addresses biases, whether implicit or explicit,
- Is rehabilitative rather than punitive
- Honors each human being’s dignity
- Helps people return prepared for fulfilling and productive lives
- Facilitates meaningful relationships and less conflict
- Restores voting rights upon release,
- Holds those in charge accountable.
Our Work
IAHR helps realize its vision through interfaith-based action. We work for prison reform in MD, DC, and VA, as well as with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. We advocate for:
- Ending all forms of brutality and torture in prisons and jails,
- Limiting solitary confinement and working for its elimination,
- Developing rehabilitative alternatives to mass incarceration, and
- Improving education, medical care, and mental health services.
We provide supportive penpals, legal and other services to prisoners, and educate on prison reform.