Turning Pain into Action

The justice system failed Darlene.

In the wake of her daughter Shelby’s murder, Darlene and her family needed support and healing. But once Darlene objected to the death penalty in her daughter’s case, the system turned against them.

That’s when she turned to EJUSA, and thanks to you, we gave her the tools and support to advocate for herself and her family.

Too many survivors like Darlene have been let down by the justice system. You can help. A gift of $25, $50, $75, or even $100 will help us put safety and healing – not punishment – at the center of the justice system.

After four years, Darlene won her battle against the death penalty. Today she continues to speak up against the death penalty and in support of children and crime survivors.

Darlene is one of countless survivors who are turning their pain into action. With your partnership, EJUSA can continue to help them strengthen their voices and fight for change.

Have you thought about becoming a recurring donor? Monthly donations allow EJUSA to better plan our expenses. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.

By Shari Silberstein

Since 2000, Shari Silberstein has dedicated her career to transforming the justice system from one that harms to one that heals. Under her leadership, and using campaign strategies she helped develop, Equal Justice USA has helped end the death penalty in nine states, built first-of-its-kind conservative and evangelical coalitions for justice reform, secured millions in state funding for healing services to families of murder victims, launched an innovative model for training and dialogue between police and communities on trauma and race equity, and strengthened dozens of local organizations across the nation working for justice, violence reduction, and healing. Shari has been a national voice in helping to break down the silos between criminal justice reformers and crime survivor advocates. Her expertise has been a source in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the New Yorker, and Harper’s Magazine, and she has written op-eds for an array of media outlets, including Fox News, the Marshall Project, and U.S. News and World Report. Shari has a bachelor's degree in film from New York University and a master's degree in Middle Eastern studies from the University of Texas at Austin.