EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM FOR INCARCERATED COMMUNITIES (EPIC)
Help support people who are striving to change their conditions.
ABOUT EPIC
The Empowerment Program for Incarcerated Communities (EPIC) provides requested religious materials to inmates throughout the state of Ohio.
HOW EPIC BEGAN
When CAIR-Cleveland was established in 2003, inmates would occasionally write to ask for religious materials or civil rights assistance. Since 2016, however, we have seen a tremendous increase in the number of letters from inmates requesting religious materials, aid in securing their religious rights while incarcerated, and requests for referrals to attorneys that may be able to assist them with their cases. We have corresponded with thousands of inmates throughout Ohio, and the need for services
is growing exponentially.
SERVICES
Religious Materials
Upon request, we provide religious materials, such as copies of the English translation of the meaning of the Quran, kufis, hijabs, prayer rugs, and Islamic information to inmates throughout Ohio.
Civil Rights Advocacy
We help defend the rights enshrined in the US Constitution including the right to religious freedom. Inmates across Ohio contact CAIR-Cleveland to seek assistance with halal meals, Ramadan accommodations, and access to religious services.
TESTIMONIALS
“I’m crying tears of joy right now because I feel so accepted and important. You don’t really know how much this means to me.”
Joe Ervin
“This is my first time in prison. I have 6 years to do here and I completely changed myself and Allah is guiding me on the Right Path.”
Anonymous Inmate
“I have been searching for The Purpose of My Life, and I pray Islam will guide me to be the best me I can be insha’Allah.”
Anonymous Inmate
“I want to thank you. You have been a great support. My stay…wouldn’t have been as it has, without your letters and answers to my questions… You have sent me so much information it has blessed my stay in jail.”
Darshell O’Bryant
REENTRY RESOURCES
It is important to let people know that they can reenter society and live a life of dignity and joy by achieving their full human potential.
There are reentry services available to formerly incarcerated people, but they may not be aware of all the resources that are available. Through EPIC, we hope to provide information on the various reentry programs and services that are available.
SUPPORT EPIC
VOLUNTEER for the EPIC program. Help respond to prisoner letters and prepare educational packages for inmates.
DONATE. Please donate generously to help cover the cost of educational materials and postage. Materials include copies of the translation of the meaning of the Quran, kufis, prayer rugs, and other religious materials. Support us financially to fund reentry materials tailored to the Muslim community.
ACT by volunteering in one of the jails or prisons to provide religious education or other support services. CAIR can help set this up and arrange for official training. By donating your time, treasure and talent you can help ensure that EPIC can help transform the lives of thousands more.
Your donation will directly sustain EPIC.
All donations are tax-deductible and zakat eligible. Our federal tax ID number is 31-1602287.
Talk to your employer about matching your donation.
You may also send your gift in the mail:
CAIR-OHIO, Cleveland and Northern Ohio Chapter
2999 Payne Ave, Suite 220
Cleveland, OH 44114
You may call in your donation at 216.830.2247.