Hello, welcome to the new site of The National Incarcerated Parents and Families Network.  My name is Charles E. Stuart, I am the President and Founder of this 501-C3, Tax Exempt Non-Profit Organization.

After working with another national organization, I made the decision to start NIPFN in 2004.  I wanted to start something that I could be proud of and that would honestly work towards improving our communities, by improving the lives of those who reside in them, without the main focus on "making a profit".  

In the United States today ,there are over 2.4 million people that are incarcerated. This number is larger than the populations of some small countries.  According to various studies and reports, about 95% of the offenders will re-enter some community.  In knowing this, a crucial stage of this process is to prepare these offenders for their return to society.

Re-entry

This is finally, "The Flavor of the Week".  Re-entry, or preparing for re-entry, is the most important phase in the incarceration of a "person".  How this issue is addressed could make a significant difference in the "out of control" rise in recidivism (offenders in and out of prison or incarceration) rates across our country.  

Another important  aspect that is real, is the children that are following in the footsteps of many of their parents, friends and relatives.  We often talk about, or make the motivational statement, "It takes an entire village to raise a child". My question is, "What if all whom live in that village are "convicted felons"? 

In our society today, children are being raised without the expectation of finishing junior high school, high school, college or a trade school, rather to go to prison, as if it was a right of passage.

"Red Flag!"

According to the Department of Justice, parents held in U.S. prisons had an estimated 1,498,800 minor children in 1999, an increase of over 500,000 since 1991. Of the Nation’s 72 million minor children, 2.1% had a parent in State or Federal prison in 1999.

As I sit here I am very sad that a dear friend, great citizen and great human being has passed away, Harry Galbreath.  Harry was a great football player for the University of Tennessee, Miami Dolphins, Greenbay Packers and the New York Jets.  But to me, Harry was my friend who always had a "big ole smile" and a great laugh.  When we would talk over the phone, which now I am wishing was more than it was, we would talk and laugh as if the first day we met, when UT played Notre Dame in New Jersey to kick of the collegiate football season many years ago.  From the first time to the last time, our conversations were as if we had known each other for a lifetime.  When I told Harry of this organization and my dream, even before I could finish my story, he stated, "I am on board".  He told me whatever he could do he would do for me.  The best thing Harry has ever done for me  and this organization was to be my friend.  It wasn't about money, because it was not about that, and I wouldn't let him do that. It was about friendship and him believing enough in what I was trying to do.  HIs encouragement to me was worth more than any donation or grant possible.

Harry, "my friend", we will miss you, we will miss your smile, your laugh, your heart and your encouragement and wisdom.  I could never thank you enough for just being there for me and this organization.  I will miss you, and just can't say enough to fill the void I have in my heart as I write this.  I know you are watching over us, so, I will just say good bye for now my friend and I will see you later.

Charles E. Stuart

President/Founder