As we look at the upcoming year, the need to help those wrongfully convicted and those recently exonerated will only increase.

In regard to those still in prison but wholly innocent, donations are used to fund investigative services to help the state's two innocence projects, the Michigan Innocence Clinic (U of M) and Western Michigan University, to develop and confirm evidence of actual innocence. We anticipate new exonerations from these two great institutions in 2022.

Equally heartening, we anticipate an increased number of exonerations through the state Attorney General's Conviction Integrity (CIU), Wayne County's CIU, and the new CIU established in Washtenaw County. Macomb and Oakland Counties are also exploring the formation of CIUs. 

CIUs organized within the prosecutor's offices have proven to be the most streamlined efficient process to exonerate someone. The more CIUs in the state, the more exonerations there will be. 

This means there will be a much greater need for Proving Innocence's Walking Free Fund that helps newly exonerated men and women adjust to a new "life on the outside". 

When prisoners are released, they often have been out of our society for years and even decades. Think to yourself how you would do if tomorrow you woke up with $0 in the bank . . . no, without even having a bank account. You have no job. Your spouse has moved on and many of your family members have passed away. You don't own a home. You have no car in which to look for a job. And something has happened to your mind so that when you look at a computer, the first question that comes to mind is "How do I turn this thing on?".

Despite the joy of having been freed, things are not going to be easy for you for quite some time. You may be able to survive for a while on the generosity of a few friends or family members, but they have their own financial pressures. PI steps through the Walking Free Fund, meeting with the wrongfully convicted person and providing them with financial assistance. Now they have something they can call their own that they do not need to borrow. They have the dignity of being able to buy some of their own groceries, some clothes, the first month's rent or whatever the need may be. We also discuss with the person their other needs and where we might be able to network to help meet those needs.

PI depends on your donations to meet these needs.

With no office and no paid staff, PI has little overhead

In addition, PI will be addressing issues in Lansing that help prevent wrongful convictions. The establishment of the forensic science commission will help give the courts guidance so persons are not convicted by "junk science". When it is important for your legislator to know how you feel on the subject, we will let you know.

Go to our website to find the 3 main ways to Donate.

You might also consider:

• Making an IRA Required Minimum Distribution directly to PI.
• Donating appreciated stock and receiving a deduction for the stock's value.
• Putting PI in your will

Check with your tax person on the merits of each.

With this appeal, we want to extend to you our very best as we look forward to meeting the challenges of 2022.

Sincerely, Bill Branham

President

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