We are asking for your support on behalf of our dear friend Dwain Farrow. After 50 years of incarceration, Dwain has been granted parole and will be coming home on January 6, 2026.

Dwain’s release is a long overdue step toward justice. A mere eighteen years of age when first incarcerated, Dwain used his unthinkably long sentence in ways that reflect his values of responsibility, integrity, and compassion. He facilitated programs like D.O.P.E. is for Dopes, Heart to Heart, and Brother’s Keeper, a program created to help provide incarcerated young adults with the guidance they need to become responsible family members and citizens. He pursued higher education through a Masters Degree, performed in numerous plays and sewed masks for those in need during the pandemic. We are overjoyed to welcome him home.

After spending his entire adult life behind bars, reentry comes with significant financial challenges. Our goal is to help ensure that Dwain’s transition is stable, safe, and full of opportunity. We are hoping to raise enough funds to provide some kind of cushion for Dwain as he gets his bearings in the world and begins working. Dwain is 68, starting from scratch, and has no significant savings. Every contribution—large or small—will make a difference to his situation.

We are fundraising to help cover essential costs, including:

-Furniture and household basics (lamps, rug, sewing machine, books, decorations, bedding, toiletries, kitchen and cooking equipment)

-Clothing (all seasons, especially Cleveland winter)

-Transportation (bus pass, rideshares, gas, drivers license fees, car)

-Groceries and other everyday living expenses

-Medical /health and wellness needs (yoga classes, yoga mat, gym membership, prescriptions, vitamins, mental health options)

-Communication (phone, cell phone bill, internet, computer, subscription services)

-Fees associated with parole requirements and obtaining legal / identification documents

-Employment needs (video-editing equipment, work clothes, tools, training fees, certifications)

-Dwain has spent decades becoming the kind of person who lifts others up. Now, as he steps into this new chapter, we have the chance to help lift him.

Who we are:

Over a decade ago, Jamie, Willy, SR, Sophie and Kaela met Dwain in an education initiative between Grafton Correctional Institution and Oberlin College. In programs such as OGEEP (Oberlin Grafton Education Exchange Program) and ODAG (Oberlin Drama at Grafton), Dwain was a force of nature, a highly motivated student and a kind and generous friend. He made a lasting impression upon all of us who came across him. It is with deep appreciation, excitement and relief that we are fundraising today for Dwain’s imminent release.