Chicago Beyond Releases New Report Showing Holistic Safety Practices  Improve Safety in Jails and Prisons

At its second National Justice Convening, Chicago Beyond, a national philanthropic organization addressing systemic inequity by backing solutions led by those closest to the issues, brought together leaders from 27 states—representing more than 300,000 people impacted by incarceration—to share new evidence that humanizing practices in prisons and jails are improving safety for both staff and people experiencing incarceration.

During the event, Chicago Beyond released its Holistic Safety Impact Report, developed with independent evaluator OpenFields, showing that the Holistic Safety Framework is already creating measurable improvements in correctional systems nationwide. 

Designed by Chicago Beyond alongside correctional leaders, people with lived experience, and system administrators, the Holistic Safety Framework emphasizes the connection between staff and people currently incarcerated by promoting collaboration as a foundation for safety and wellbeing in jails and prisons. 

Nine correctional systems across the country—including Illinois, Arizona and Hawai‘i—are implementing the framework. Early impact findings in the report show tangible change: reduced barriers to family visitation, expanded and improved recreation, new wellness and emotional-support programming, stronger staff resources, and improved communication between staff and residents. These shifts are correlated with declines in violence and increases in trust and collaboration. 

“At Chicago Beyond, we remain committed to driving transformative change through collaborative efforts with governors, legislators, local leaders, and advocates working alongside people incarcerated and correctional staff,” said Liz Dozier, Founder and CEO of Chicago Beyond. “The early signals outlined in this impact analysis are very promising. While our team anticipates further validation in the years ahead, the work already underway serves as a powerful example of how systemic healing can be achieved. It’s important that we promote well-being and public safety within our criminal legal system.”  

The unique gathering, held October 29–30 in Chicago, centered on the theme Connection, exploring how wellness, dignity, and belonging can transform correctional environments. The convening featured the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) commitment to implementing Holistic Safety on the heels of deep trauma experienced by both staff and incarcerated people across its system. Leaders from DOCCS shared how new practices centered on healing, communication, and wellness are reshaping facility culture. Two facilities joined via Webex to share firsthand reflections from officers and residents on this work in motion. 

One officer reflected on how their team has changed since joining the Holistic Safety meetings, saying, “I’ve noticed a real change among the staff. They’re more open now – coming to me, sharing their opinions, offering recommendations, and suggesting ways to move forward. There’s a sense that we’re all part of the same effort now – not just reacting, but building something together.” 

A person currently incarcerated shared, “When this initiative first started, I didn’t think it would work – I was against it. But when you all came here in person, it changed everything. You showed us that you were just as invested as we were. I never imagined I’d be sitting here, talking with the Commissioner, talking with Chicago Beyond, or even believing that this kind of collaboration was possible. It’s been really positive – and I truly believe this is only the first step.” 

More than 186,000 correctional staff and incarcerated people are now in environments guided by Holistic Safety principles—evidence that change is not only possible but underway across the country. 

Throughout the convening, participants shared deeply personal stories about the impact of connection and healing in correctional spaces. Featured sessions included national voices such as Shaka Senghor, Jarrett Adams, Lawrence Bartley, Amy Solomon, and leaders from the Hawai‘i and New York Departments of Corrections, all highlighting how Holistic Safety and human-centered reforms are creating safer, more restorative systems. 

To further this work, at the convening Chicago Beyond announced new investments including:

• $500,000 to Women’s Dignity of Choice, led by Willette Benford, to expand reentry support for women and families 

• $300,000 to The Marshall Project to advance humanizing storytelling on justice reform 

• $100,000 to Keiki O Ka ‘Āina (KOKA), a Hawai‘i-based initiative strengthening family connection and reentry success. 

“Across every conversation, we heard one message: change is possible—and it’s happening,” said Dr. Nneka Jones Tapia, Managing Director of Justice Initiatives at Chicago Beyond. “Holistic Safety is no longer an idea. It’s being lived and proven in systems across the country.”

Chicago Beyond invites prison and jail administrators into the work of Holistic Safety by offering them a clear, operational pathway to change. Through the release of the Holistic Safety Impact Report and the companion Holistic Safety Change Management Toolkit, administrators now have a tactical resource developed in collaboration with correctional institutions, complete with a step-by-step framework that helps them analyze current practices, align with stakeholders, assemble plans, actualize change, assess outcomes, and amplify progress. 

• The Power of Connection in Holistic Safety featuring Ronald Simpson Bey, Executive Vice President, Just Leadership USA; Jon Corey, President, ARSCME/FOP Local 419; DeAnna Hoskins, President/CEO, Just Leadership USA; and Andy Potter, Founder/Executive Director, One Voice United.  

• The Importance of Family Connection in Illinois with Dr. Nneka Tapia Jones Tapia, Managing Director of Justice Initiatives, Chicago Beyond; Willette Benford, Senior Advisor, Office of the First Lady of Illinois; and Jonathan Brown, Staff Wellness Program Administrator, Illinois Department of Corrections.  

• The Importance of Family Connection in Hawaii with Liz Dozier, Founder & CEO, Chicago Beyond; Joanna-Jacklyn White, Major – Chief of Security, Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; Richelle Souza, Human Services Professional, Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and Nicole Fernandez, Offender Services Section Administrator, Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

• Idaho | A Transformational Peer Mentorship Program with Collin Young, Idaho Department of Correction and Michael Copenhaver, Day One Plus Inc. 

•  Vermont | Using Connection to Uplift Dignity and Taking a Truly Holistic Approach with Matthew Burke, Associate Director of Justice Initiatives, Chicago Beyond; Kristen Calver, Vermont Department of Corrections; Robyn Hasan Simpson, Women on the Rise; and Aviva Tevah, Vermont Department of Corrections.  

• Arizona | Enhancing and Connecting Staff Wellness and Programming for People Incarcerated with Thomas Arbaugh, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry and Laura Hiebert, Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry.  

• Connecticut | The Power and Impact of Collaborative Engagement with Daniel Dougherty, Connecticut Department of Correction; Eulalia Garcia, Connecticut Department of Correction; and Justin Oles, Connecticut Department of Correction.