Virginia CURE is a membership organization whose focus is on the Virginia criminal justice and prison systems and the people whose lives are impacted by those systems.

Over 55,000 men and women are incarcerated in Virginia prisons and jails and thousands more are on or have been on probation or parole. It is reported that 95-percent will eventually be released from prison. Most have left families behind. Virginia CURE Organizes activities to provide information, education and support to families, those who are presently or formerly incarcerated, and other concerned citizens. This is achieved through state-wide meetings, monthly local chapter meetings, an Annual Conference, an Advocacy Day at the General Assembly, a web site (http://www.vacure.org), a Yahoo Group ( VirginiaPrisoners@yahoogroups.com ), an email distribution list, a newsletter when time and volunteers allow, and by replies to letters, email and telephone inquiries and requests. An Annual Family Day Picnic is organized free-of-charge for children who have an incarcerated parent, their caretakers and others involved in the justice system. The picnic is made possible through donations and/or products from businesses and individuals.

Virginia C.U.R.E is an effective and respected voice in bringing attention to challenging criminal justice and prison issues that might otherwise be ignored. Accomplishments are dependent upon the efforts put forth by volunteers. To promote its goals, leaders network with organizations and the Executive and Legislative branches of Virginia government.

For the sake of public safety and restoring the lives of offenders, their families, and crime victims, every effort is made to advocate for positive policies and to monitor actions of state and national governments, the news media, official reports and publications.

Virginia CURE carefully monitors legislation before the General Assembly, and CURE members are updated through email and the web site. A summary of legislation and final report are prepared and available upon request. Over 65 bills and resolutions were tracked in the 2009 session. 2009 legislation that is supported or opposed is available upon request and may be found on Virginia CURE’s web pages.

There is a CURE presence in every city and town where a member lives. Local chapters meet monthly in various areas of the state. CURE chapters are encouraged throughout Virginia for family support, information sharing and an advocacy network. Families with an incarcerated loved one and other concerned citizens are encouraged to lend support to each other and join as a collective force to bring positive attention to conditions affecting victims, offenders, and the affected families.

To achieve success, all concerned citizens must make an effort to be informed and participate in activities that encourage fair, humane and responsible criminal justice and prison policies.

Remember, there is strength in numbers!