YWCA Strive

A symposium attracting artists, educators and policy advocates gathered in Bloomington last weekend to highlight arts initiatives supporting people and families touched by the correctional system.

A lack of institutional support, statutorily imposed legal barriers, stigmas, low wages — they all mean prison sentences can effectively be for life, especially for residents of black and brown communities.

In a time when employment and opportunities appear dim, YWCA Strive of Bloomington-Normal offers hope for those determined to seek redirection toward…