The Phoenix Association helps make prisons and jails safer, less stressful and more humane for everyone. By forming connections between formerly incarcerated people and prison staff, and by sharing stories and experiences, the Phoenix Association transforms "us vs them" attitudes that are toxic for staff and inmates in many prison settings. When "us vs them" changes to mutual respect and understanding, people who work or live in prisons can help one another and support everyone’s success. The Phoenix Association delivers programs to organizations such as the Connecticut Department of Corrections and the Council of State Governments’ National Reentry Resource Center. Their members also give talks at conferences, colleges, and churches.