OK CURE

What is CURE?

Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants (CURE) is a grassroots organization that was founded in Texas in 1972. It became a national organization in 1985.

We believe that prisons should be used only for those who absolutely must be incarcerated and that those who are incarcerated should have all of the resources they need to turn their lives around. We also believe that human rights documents provide a sound basis for ensuring that criminal justice systems meet these goals.

CURE is a membership organization. We work hard to provide our members with the information and tools necessary to help them understand the criminal justice system and to advocate for changes.

CURE's Goals

What is CURE working on?

• Abolishment of the death penalty.

• Removing racism from the application of the death penalty.

• Renewing the Targeted Jobs Tax Credit (which pays for a portion of the starting salary of a newly employed ex-felon through government tax subsidies).

• Voting in federal elections by all probationers and ex-prisoners.

• Improvement of the availability of veteran's benefits and services to incarcerated veterans.

• Encouraging prison-based businesses.

• Increasing awareness of the special needs of women prisoners.

• Stronger enforcement of the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act (CRIPA).

• Establishing a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun.

• Supporting professional accreditation for all correctional entities.

• Allowing prisoners to be transferred to the state where their loved ones reside.

• Offering effective drug treatment programs on request in the community and in prison (CURE is a member of a network that monitors the government's war on drugs).

• Eliminating discrimination in employment for a felon if nature of job does not relate to his or her crime.

• Passing a constitutional amendment that fundamentally changes the criminal justice system.

How has CURE been recognized by the community?

• In 1995, on December 17, CURE's founders were honored at the U.S. Capitol when they were presented with the America's Award. This award, informally know as the "Nobel Prize for Goodness", was presented by Senator Bill Bradley on behalf of the Power of Positive Thinking Foundation, founded by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale.
• CURE has been formally recognized for their work on the floor of both houses of congress. Their history is a matter of public record in the Congressional Record.
• Numerous articles and columns have appeared relating to CURE and its founders in many newspapers, magazines, and correctional trade publications nation wide.