What is Extended Family?
Extended Family is a non-profit support system for families of prisoners.
The purpose of Extended Family is to show prisoners’ families how
to successfully adjust to a new way of life. Our Mission is to offer help
and inspire hope.
When someone is sent to prison the family left behind struggles with financial,
emotional, mental, 
physical,
and spiritual challenges. Through the Extended Family program family members
learn how to face these challenges together, looking for solutions, and
discovering services available in their community to help them through this
season in their lives.
How does Extended Family help the families of prisoners?
Extended Family is a three part support system, offering monthly family
meetings, a nation-wide Resource Database, and a One-on-One Networking System.
Monthly Family Meetings: Monthly family meetings are held at the Branches
and led by a trained Extended Family Branch Leader. At the meeting presentations
are given on community services, anger resolution, and grief recovery skills.
Guest speakers share their expertise on issues pertinent to families of
prisoners. Discussion topics range from what to expect at the first visit
to how to work with children through this experience. The question we try
to answer is, “How can we not do their time?”
Resource Database: Extended Family maintains a nation-wide resource database,
referring members to services available in their communities. These resources
cover financial, legal, social, and emotional issues, as well as many others.
One-on-One Networking: Connecting people in similar situations has been
the foundation of the Extended Family program. Through the One-on-One Networking
system family members can connect by telephone and e-mail, no matter where
they live.
How do I become a member of Extended Family?
The Extended Family support system is available to anyone with a family
member incarcerated in a county, state, or federal institution. Becoming
a member of Extended Family is easy, and it’s free. Call 256-927-7997
or e-mail extendedfamily@tds.net to express your interest and we will send
you an information packet. Or you can download
the membership form on this Web site, complete and mail it to Extended Family,
P.O. Box 26, Centre, AL 35960. You will receive the Extended Family newsletters
and updates on issues relevant to family members of prisoners. Your information
will not be shared with any other entity. Membership privacy is strictly
protected.
Is there anything that Extended Family doesn’t
do?
Extended Family does not distribute funds, give marital or legal advice,
or act as a personal counselor. However, at meetings of Extended Family,
and through newsletters, information is given about community services available
to help in many different areas of life. And, of course, sometimes it is
helpful just to hear someone else say, “I understand,” and know
that they really do.
How can I start an Extended Family Branch in my
area?
If you or someone you know is interested in starting an Extended Family
Branch in your community, contact Laure Clemons at the Extended Family home
office – 256-927-7997 or extendedfamily@tds.net. Laure will tell you
more about how to start a Branch and connect you with other Branch Leaders
so you can lean first-hand what that experience is like and decide if you
want to work with us to continue spreading Extended Family across the country.
How can I support the Extended Family
program?
Donations are vital to the success and growth of Extended Family. Please
send your tax-deductable gifts to: Extended Family, P.O. Box 26, Centre,
AL 35960.