1995 - Nadine wrote the Florida Justice Institute outlining the hardships faced by families with a loved one
in prison, and requested assistance. Mr. Randall C. Berg, Jr., executive director, offered this advice: “The solution is
political.... It is only pressure placed by voters on elected officials that will bring about the change you seek.” He added, “Change and reform will not come easy. It is
not for the short winded.” With that in mind, Nadine began Speaking Out. In that first year, Nadine spoke on Radio interviews, DOC
public hearings, meetings with DOC administrators, Legislators, corrections committee staff, churches, town meetings..., And finally... In November 1995 the associated press took
notice of Nadine and FLIP and wrote,"…lawmakers may consider a bill .. To help families with relatives in prison.”
(Florida Times Union)
1996 - In the January newsletter, Nadine welcomes 5 new members! FLIP began a weekly radio show, “THE FLIP SIDE”
on WAPN 91.5, and WOLR 91.3, FLIP began addressing the proposed package restrictions, and most importantly, FLIP and FPLP worked together with The Public Service Commission to
begin the process of forcing MCI to provide refunds to families for over 1 million dollars in overcharges for collect calls.
1997 - the DOC began restricting visits to every other week in some institutions. FPAN (Florida Prison Action Coalition) formed under the direction of Gayle Russell. FLIP joins FPAN for a candlelight vigil in Tallahassee. FLIP becomes an affiliate of National CURE - Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants - and participates in a joint conference in
Orlando in February. FLIP becomes affiliated with FPLS (Florida Prison Legal Services), FILS (Florida Institution Legal Services), TFF (Time for Freedom), and PEN (Parole
Elimination Network). New Chapters are added in Tallahassee, Gainesville, Orlando, Miami, also FLIP children and FLIP ICU (interracial
couples). Nadine & Gayle invited to be presenters at the 6th annual CURE conference in Washington, DC.. Nadine speaks at the
ACA conference. FLIP receives 501(c)3 status! And, Nadine and Anna Currie address the Florida Constitution Revision Committee
with proposal to make visiting a right
. The proposal was adopted and referred to the Declaration of Rights Committee.
1998 - the proposal passed in the Declaration of Rights Committee, yet 3 days later lost in the full committee by a 9 to 18 vote. (we did get 9
votes!!). Children & Family Services awarded FLIP a small grant. Nadine began weekly seminars at both Volusia County Branch jail & Volusia County facility. FPAN
held the first annual “Tally Rally” at the Capital in Tallahassee. FLIP gets support from House Corrections Committee & begins discussion on Bill proposals. The House
Corrections Committee initiated a focus group to begin their 1998 project studying the effects of incarceration on the family. FLIP
kicks off a benefit basketball game to support COPE - children of incarcerate parents enrichment project. Nadine attends the FCN —
Family & Corrections Network — 5th annual conference In Maryland. Corrections Committee Chairman, Representative Allen Trovillion also attended the conference. Florida was the only state to have a legislative representative in attendance!
1999 - FLIP has a joint meeting with the New DOC Secretary, Michael Moore & The Family Ombudsman, Silvia Williams. The House Corrections
Committee completes the 61 page report, and drafts HB-2161 to improve visiting conditions. After much editing & revision by DOC, the Bill passed. FLIP joins the FPAN second annual “Tally Rally.” Blue ribbons replace the orange. FLIP
attends the 2nd annual Restorative Justice Conference. COPE receives a small grant from Family Preservation & Support. New
chapters: Ft. Myers & St. Augustine. Crissie becomes codirector of FLIP and represents FLIP at the 7th annual CURE conference in Washington, DC.. The Catholic Diocese
of Venice Ministry to Families of Prisoners affiliates with FLIP.
And the Year 2000 - The DOC begins 2 day visits in all institutions! And, Pictures are returned! The DOC forms the Central Visitation Authority
(CVA) to design and implement policy re: visits, with the goal of setting statewide standards. New Chapters: Hernando, &
Pasco County. The Diocese of Venice Ministry adds a support group in Naples. Felda FLIP receives a grant from Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) for the purpose
of education & empowerment. A “Guide for Action” begins a series of FLIP publications. FLIP members provide education,
training’s and / or presentations throughout the state. Nadine represents FLIP to the Corrections Committee. FLIP had a booth
at the Sarasota Jubilee Pair, and again participated in the FPAN 3rd annual “Tally Rally.” Crissie presents at the FIU/ Corrections Transition Program at Southwest
Florida Reception Center 2nd annual family day. Michael Wolfe, DOC Deputy Secretary and Alex Taylor, Chaplaincy Department, met
with FLIP. Many FLIP'ers participated in the ETC campaign. The reading family ties program
begins in Miami. The House Corrections Committee 1999 project is completed - "an examination of elder inmate services".
And now, on to 2001 - "THE YEAR OF COMMUNICATION"!