Assisting Families of Inmates, Inc.. (formerly Prison Family Support Services) was created in 1978 as a volunteer transportation program designed to assist Richmond area families visiting relatives in state prisons.

Until then, visiting was impossible for many low-income families because most state prisons are located in isolated, rural areas not served by public transportation. The initiative was led by Thomas A. Edmonds of Second Presbyterian Church who was familiar with the needs of prisoner’s families from earlier years of volunteering with a similar organization in another state.

Edmonds saw a need in the Richmond community and convinced other downtown area churches to join in by providing much-needed volunteers, vehicles and financial support. Within six years the AFOI program was providing visiting day transportation to 15 state prisons. AFOI was also providing hot meals for the visitors upon their return from their visit.

Continuing support from the faith community and many individual donors allowed AFOI to expand its transportation program in the late 80’s and 90’s. Today our services include:

>Monthly transportation to 22 state prisons and correctional units.
>Information on prison visiting and correctional policies and procedures.
>Referrals to other social services agencies.
>Trained volunteers to chaperone children on visits with their incarcerated mothers.
>The Milk & Cookies Program, a collaborative, school-based program serving children with incarcerated parents.