In June, two members of our staff—Connor Demchick, Development and Helpline Associate, and Leigh Owens, Education and Advocacy Director—attended a special Lifers’ Association Banquet at State Correctional Institution (SCI) Dallas.
Lifers’ events are organized by people serving life sentences and vary from facility to facility. While each gathering has its own unique feel, they’re rooted in connection, purpose, and a desire to build something meaningful. At SCI Dallas, this year’s banquet was especially meaningful—it was the first time in years that families were able to join their loved ones in person.
We interviewed Connor and Leigh and asked them to reflect on the event. Here’s what they had to share:
Prison Society: For people who may not be familiar—what is a lifers’ event, and why is it significant?
Leigh: Each Lifers’ event I’ve attended has been very different, but at their core, these gatherings are about giving back. The Lifers’ organizations in each state correctional facility organize these events as a way to contribute to the broader community. The format depends on the facility—some allow families to attend, while others do not. These organizations fundraise year-round and often make generous donations to nonprofits. In fact, the Prison Society has received support from the Lifers’ Organization at Frackville.
Prison Society: What did it mean to see families included in this event again after such a long time?
Connor: When I asked one of the incarcerated men what the event meant to him, he said it gives him hope. To be surrounded by family, friends, and community advocates meant that these men were not alone. Incarceration is isolating, and being reminded that the outside world still cares is invaluable.
Prison Society: How did the incarcerated people respond to having their loved ones there?
Connor: This event created a room that was filled with positivity, love, and gratitude. People shared hugs, kisses, laughs, and tears. As a member of the Prison Society, I had the privilege of meeting many of the men who write to us regularly, and some who are visited by our prison monitor volunteers. They were overwhelmingly grateful. The “thank yous” were endless.
Prison Society: Why do you think events like this matter—for both people inside and their families outside?
Leigh: These events matter for so many reasons. First and foremost, they help change the narrative about people in prison. They reveal the depth of remorse many carry, and show that lifers have not given up on life, even though they’re sentenced to die in prison. That alone provides hope for many. Additionally, Lifers’ organizations often take on the responsibility of mentoring younger residents in hopes of helping them avoid the same path..
Prison Society: Was there anything you saw or heard that surprised you?
Connor: I spent time with an older gentleman who shared stories about his teenage years, his time in the military, and his family—who live out of state and couldn’t attend. He told me this was the first time he’d had a regular conversation with someone from the outside. Not about his legal case or medical care—just a real conversation.
He admitted he was nervous because he wasn’t sure he still knew how to talk to a “regular person.” But after our conversation, he realized he could. It was easy. It was natural. It was meaningful. He told me our conversation was precious to him.
That moment surprised me—it was a firsthand reminder of how the isolation of prison can affect a person, and how visiting and connections to the outside world are critical.
These moments matter.
Lifers’ events remind us that human connection is essential to helping people thrive—and that hope can be rekindled through a single conversation, a shared laugh, or a long-awaited hug.
At the Prison Society, we remain committed to bridging the gap between people inside and the communities they are still a part of.
Special thanks to Mackenzie Shultz for interviewing Connor and Leigh and contributing to this story.