Vision

Cross Over re-weaves the web of relationships that have been torn apart by crime and the policies of the criminal justice system. Cross Over serves as a conduit to assist and accompany children, families and communities in crossing over the barriers that separate them from people in prison. In doing so, Cross Over restores relationships and creates public awareness in order to bring about radical transformation of the criminal justice system.

Mission

We invite community members to cross a border into the world of prisons, providing opportunities for relationship building, reflection and action. Cross-over events foster transformed understanding between the outside community and those in prison, propelling both to work together to restore relationships and create awareness about the criminal justice system. We form a critical mass that helps to advocate for systemic change by mobilizing communities to move the current system toward a model of justice that promotes healing and restores relationships.

We Believe

• Individual and social transformation occurs when people on the “inside” and people on the “outside” have an opportunity to meet and share a common experience, reflect together on it and discern the next step together.
• Partnering and networking is essential for those who seek to transform the criminal justice system into one that is more just, humane, and responsive to the needs of women and their families.