Beyond Barriers News

Civil Rights Report Details "Historic" Assault on Voting Rights
A new report reveals that recent legislation is suppressing political participation, especially the voting rights of minority and poor populations (The Sentencing Project).
Dorothy's Story
This is a story about the struggles and successes of long-time PSJ member Dorothy, first with addiction and then with society’s refusal to recognize her change. In the end, with personal strength and some support from PSJ, the power of change won out!
Empowering Families & Changing the Future: The Center for Family Success
PSJ’s Caylor Roling sat down to chat with Glenna Hayes, Director of Center for Family Success (and long-time PSJ member), about how the Center helps families who have been involved with the criminal justice system be successful.
New Report Identifies Policies That Reduce Employment Barriers for the Formerly Incarcerated
The severe economic climate has fueled a growing recognition of the need for costsaving alternatives to incarceration. A new report contributes to the momentum for state-level reform.
Innovative Program Helps Native Women Transition Out of Prison
Red Lodge Transition Services supports Oregon's incarcerated Native women and helps them reenter society. Their innovative methods, including the establishment of a Native American Prison Art Project, have helped to prevent intergenerational incarceration (Indian Country Today Media Network).
Who Gets to Vote?
Next November more than 5 million Americans will not be allowed to vote because of a criminal conviction in their past. Although Oregon restores voting rights after a conviction, other states vary widely. In some cases, people with felony convictions are disenfranchised for life.
Why an Ex-Con Could Be a Great Hire
Hiring ex-felons is an experiment that hundreds of business owners have tried -- and one that state and federal governments have supported with tax breaks (SmartMoney.com).
Gov. John Kitzhaber stops executions in Oregon, calls system 'compromised and inequitable'
Gov. John Kitzhaber announced today (November 22, 2011) he will not allow the execution of Gary Haugen -- or any death row inmate -- to take place while he is in office. The death penalty is morally wrong and unjustly administered, Kitzhaber said.
Invest in re-entry programs, not in prison cells
Oregon could save the projected $600 million in new prison construction and operating expenses and invest in substance abuse and employment programs. They work!
New Study Links Incarceration and Homelessness
A new report from the organization Health Care for the Homeless reveals a direct line between incarceration and unstable housing. The connection goes both ways - incarceration often leads to homelessness, and homelessness can result in incarceration.