family support unit
Supporting families impacted by mass incarceration has always been a central tenet of AFJ’s work. This initiative is led by Yao-Obiora Dibia, LCSW, ACSW, an incredible healer with decades of experience, steeped in the issues our families encounter. Through our Family Support Unit, we offer the following resources:
weekly family empowerment circles
Tuesdays, 6-8 PM
on zoom until further notice
While we miss being able to gather in person, having our Family Empowerment Circle on Zoom every Tuesday evening has been a great way to stay connected, and has enabled families across the state to connect with one another. The circle takes place 6-8 pm every Tuesday and is facilitated by the one and only Yao-Obiora Dibia! It is reserved for families with currently and formerly incarcerated loved ones, as well as formerly incarcerated people.
zoom information
Join Zoom Meeting (Direct Link)
Meeting ID: 841 0065 5340
Join by phone:
Dial 646 876 9923 and enter meeting ID (841 0065 5340)
more about the family empowerment circle:
This group is a psychoeducational and support group for family units looking to engage in discussions around daily living skills; maintaining positive relationships; helpful resources; building and enhancing techniques that nurture each person’s divine nature. Even when dealing with the tough conditions that life often brings us. We all are confronted with pain & suffering and we can help each other in community. This Healing Circle is dedicated to family, friends, and community members of loved ones currently or formerly incarcerated. Each Healing Circle gathering will begin with a check-in; introduction of topic; presentation of topic; discussion of topic; ending with a check-out. AFJ invites you to become part of this healing space and commit to healthy change and coping.
Songa Mbele Circle
Third saturday of each month at 1 pm
on zoom until further notice
This group is about “moving forward”, which is what songa mbele means in Swahili, and is dedicated specifically to formerly incarcerated people. Having a space to process and heal is important, especially following periods of incarceration and separation from loved ones. This Healing Circle utilizes the SELF (Safety Emotions Loss Future) model. Together attendees explore how these issues come to play in their daily lives. The Healing Circle emphasizes mindfulness approaches that can assist you on your path to a healthy transition into the community, and provide lifelong skills that bring forth your “best of self”.
Please call 917-830-8585, or email info@afj-ny.org, with any questions.
zoom information
Join Zoom Meeting (direct link)
Meeting ID: 825 5810 8249
Join by phone:
Dial +1 646 931 3860 and enter meeting ID (825 5810 8249)
Individual and Family Counseling
The trauma of incarceration affects the whole family unit, and each member of the family individually. Yao is also available to conduct individual and family counseling sessions for directly-impacted people. These can happen in person at a mutually agreed-upon location, or via telephone if you are unable to meet in person. If you are a formerly incarcerated person in need of one-on-one support, or a family member or loved one of someone who is incarcerated and recently came home, or if your whole family could benefit from a group session, Yao is available.
