Citizens for Prison Reform (CPR) is holding its first ever Family Fun Day Picnic at the Howell Nature Center in August. We have dreamed of creating a fun, relaxing event and we are finally making it happen! Our organization supports and assists families who have incarcerated loved ones in Michigan. In general, our events are focused on legislative advocacy, storytelling to bring awareness, and rallying for change in Lansing. It is hard, emotional and taxing work.

We have created this Family Fun Day to simply bring families and children together who have someone incarcerated, to celebrate their strength and resiliency through such difficult times. This will be a space where families can get to know each other better, share interests and enjoy healing in nature as they enjoy music, food and entertainment.

CPR is partnering with a few organizations such as Miss Mitten (Victoria Decker), the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) at U of M to assist with a collaborative art project that will be displayed for awareness. A juggler who has been involved in Shakespeare Behind Bars will provide entertainment and we hope to add further activities prior to the August 17th event.

We would like to provide the children with back to school supplies and some special giveaways for families, along with T-shirts from Citizens for Prison Reform.

CPR is thrilled to bring families together who share common experiences to bond, heal and grow together on their challenging journey. Our goal is to make this an annual event that grows each year, reaching more families and children to provide them hope and support.