Wall Service Award 2012 Winners
Amy Smith ’95
Amy Smith ’95 is a professor of psychology at San Francisco State University (SFSU).
She will utilize the Wall Award to develop and implement a “bridge course” at SFSU to assist formerly incarcerated individuals returning to the community from prison, while linking the work of three agencies providing support throughout the transition process.
The course will address issues related to transition and social justice that are rarely explicitly addressed, firmly based in the experience and expertise of numerous currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Amy will also work closely with these individuals to create a curriculum that builds upon the social justice course currently being taught inside San Quentin State Prison.
Chase Strangio ’04
Chase Strangio ’04 is the founder of the Lorena Borjas Community Fund in Queens, New York, which provides support to low-income LGBTQ immigrants to avoid the collateral consequences associated with criminal convictions, jail time, and court appearances.
Chase, a staff attorney at the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, will use the Wall Award funds to provide financial support for pending cases, direct and full bail assistance, and other forms of support to mitigate the burdens associated with pending cases and trials, such as child care, court clothing, and court accompaniment.
Learn more about the Wall Service Award and see other previous winners.