A Decade of Swimming Towards Justice

For ten years, FPJ's swim team has crossed the waters from Alcatraz to San Francisco, not just for sport, but to stand (or swim, rather) in solidarity with people whose lives have been impacted by incarceration, extreme sentencing, and the death penalty.

Alcatraz stands as a monument to the harsh realities of punitive justice, cutting off prisoners from everyone who loves them. Each year, our swimmers make the crossing, connecting the remote island to loved ones awaiting their return, reminding us all of the importance of connection.

This isn't just a swim. It's a statement — that we believe people are more than the worst thing they've done, and a commitment to replacing cycles of punishment with opportunities for healing, accountability, restoration, and hope.

Ten years in, and we're not slowing down — we're going further. Our goal for our 10th swim is $100,000. Funds go directly toward:

• Holistic client advocacy that humanizes people facing the harshest punishments and ensures their full stories—rooted in compassion, dignity, and truth—are heard.‍
• Community initiatives such as holiday gifts for children with incarcerated parents; targeted support with daily necessities like groceries, rent assistance, or school supplies; and capacity building for FPJ to organize for abolition. Our programs also include film, painting, and storytelling, all aimed at facilitating safety, growth, and resilience. ‍
• Healing Circles that provide connection, accountability, and support for impacted individuals and families.