Our Stories

Through testimonials and stories, the unique needs of formerly incarcerated women — which aren’t as frequently discussed as those of men — and their children can finally be heard.

Victoria Rocha
Victoria Rocha
Victoria Rocha
In 2004, Victoria Rocha gave birth to her oldest son in state prison, causing her great distress when her dad and stepmom picked up her baby boy and drove off, leaving her feeling empty and upset. Now...
Antoinette Carter
Antoinette Carter
Antoinette Carter
Antoinette Carter was only a child when her mother was incarcerated. Antoinette wrestled with anger and frustration, as she struggled to understand why this was happening to her and not other children...
Andi Mazingo
Andi Mazingo
Andi Mazingo
Andi Mazingo is a senior associate at ORRICK and a Racial Justice Fellow at ANWOL with seven years of experience practicing law. In law school, Andi worked with the Cooke County Public Guardian Office...
Brian Barajas
Brian Barajas
Brian Barajas
Brian Barajas is a member of our family reunification legal team. Initially, Brian had intended to become a public defender, however after meeting Susan, he was inspired to instead practice family law...
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya Cooks-Abdullah
Hamdiya served 20 years in federal prison and fought for Muslim prisoners in the struggle to honor their religious practices. Hamdiya reflects on how her incarceration devastated her family and on the...
Amber Helphingstine
Amber Helphingstine
Amber Helphingstine
Amber shares her experiences of Skid Row where she suffered physical and sexual assault. While incarcerated, Amber read ‘Becoming Ms. Burton’ by Susan Burton and it offered renewed hope for her fu...
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