#United States #FreeHer Vermont #Nat Council #Essex Prison #Essex

Major Victory for Justice in Essex, Vermont

On October 12, 2025, a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice occurred in Essex, Vermont. The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, alongside its Vermont chapter, FreeHer Vermont, has successfully thwarted the proposal to construct a new women's prison in the area. The Vermont Department of Corrections had ambitions to rezone land for a massive $90 million facility, but after persistent grassroots organizing and public advocacy, the Essex Planning Committee voted against the zoning amendment, putting an end to this controversial project.

The Power of Community Action

This victory is a testament to the resilience and determination of the local community. Andrea James, the Founder and Executive Director of the National Council, expressed immense pride in the collective effort that led to this outcome. She remarked, "This victory belongs to the people. It belongs to the organizers, the neighbors, the women, and the families who refused to let a new prison rise in their community. When people come together to demand transparency, accountability, and justice, we win. And this week, Vermont won!"

The fight against the prison was not merely about stopping a building project; it represented a wider call for reform in how society addresses issues related to crime and rehabilitation. FreeHer Vermont has been on the front lines, engaging in various forms of activism, from canvassing neighborhoods to attending public hearings, ensuring that the voices of local residents were amplified amidst bureaucratic decisions.

A Future Focused on Care, Not Confinement

Jayna Ahsaf, the Director of FreeHer Vermont, articulated a hopeful vision for the future of Vermont. "This decision gives Vermont a chance to choose a different path," she stated. Instead of allocating $90 million towards building cages, Ahsaf emphasized the need for investment in community resources like housing, mental health care, and education, which are essential for true public safety and well-being.

As a result of this victory, the National Council calls upon state leaders to implement a moratorium on all new prison constructions and to focus resources on initiatives that benefit the community rather than imprisoning its members. James reiterated the need for a paradigm shift: "Vermont can lead the nation by example. We don't need new prisons. We need new priorities — rooted in care, compassion, and community."

Moving Forward Together

This decisive win against the proposed prison is not just a local achievement; it reflects a growing movement across the country advocating for the rights and dignity of incarcerated women and girls. The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls, along with FreeHer Vermont, continues to work towards abolishing mass incarceration and establishing community-based alternatives.

With this victory in Essex, there is a renewed strength in the call for justice reform. The community’s ability to come together and resist decisions that negatively impact their environment serves as an inspiring model for similar movements nationwide. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when individuals unite under a common cause, advocate for their beliefs, and challenge the status quo.

In conclusion, as Vermont celebrates this victory, it also sets a precedent for what is possible when communities are empowered to shape their futures. With continued grassroots advocacy and leadership, there is hope for a more just and equitable society that prioritizes healing over punishment.