“I loved going to the book club, I didn’t have to be tough and aggressive, I could just be me…that helped me to embrace who I am and accept it.”

—Jonas, Age 23

Interested in becoming a Free Minds member?

Free Minds primarily serves:

  • Washington, DC youth who were charged and sentenced as adults while under 18
  • Emerging adults (ages 18-25) from Washington, DC
  • Individuals who are eligible for the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act*
  • Individuals who previously participated in any Free Minds programming at the DC Jail, juvenile detention center, or in reentry

*What is the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA)? The IRAA is a DC law that allows individuals who were under 25 at the time of the offense to petition the court for resentencing after serving 15 years or more. As a DC law, this only applies to individuals sentenced in DC Superior Court.

For questions about eligibility or enrolling in Free Minds, please contact us.

If you or your loved one are not eligible for membership, feel free to explore other resources compiled below.

These programs are not affiliated with Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop in any way.