April

Scales

We band together and go back for those left behind!

The Story of April Barber

Recently, on the Black Light Mass Incarceration Show, Emancipate NC’s Cierra Cobb interviewed April Barber.

In 2022, April earned one of the first commutations from Governor Roy Cooper from the Juvenile Sentencing Review Board.

April went into prison pregnant at the age of 15, and she served for 31 and a half years. She shares her experiences being locked up, the shameful limits on menstruation products in prison, the dire need for better re-entry preparation and support, and her relationship with her son.

She is now working as a powerful advocate for people left behind in prison.

About

Mission

Fenced In: Fighting For Freedom Advocacy is a voice

for the carceral voiceless. It also provides resources

for those who are re-entering into society.                   

Barbed wire fencing with metal posts and diamond mesh pattern.
Folded gray and white T-shirts and hoodies with 'Fenced In Advocacy' logo displayed on a white table, with some in red, blue, and yellow colors in the background.
Three women gathered around a table, examining items or documents; one woman with a tattoo on her arm and wearing a patterned dress, another with grey hair and a white shirt, and the third woman with braided hair and a black top.
Stack of books titled 'Quotes 365' on a white table. Other pamphlets and booklets are also visible on the table.
Two women at a book signing event, one signing a book for the other. The table has books and a pen, and there are yellow chairs and a colorful abstract painting on the wall in the background.
Two women wearing name tags smiling at an indoor event, standing close together in front of a light-colored wall.

Services

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Advocacy

Allow me to be your voice!! I will advocate for your successful Re entry and also for the fair treatment of those incarcerated.

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Speaking Engagements

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You can book me to share my experience. I will speak virtually or in person (prices depend on length of talk).

Re Entry Support

I will prepare a tailored plan according to your vision of release. I will provide a prepaid cell phone and gift card.

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Phone Calls for Information

Illustration of a hand holding a paper with a purple heart on it, with multiple sheets of paper below.

I will gather the answers for your questions through my connections and resources.

Forensic Peer Support

Strength based support system offered to individuals who are or have been involved in the criminal justice system.

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Resources

I will provide a list of the resources you need in the respective county of release.

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Recommendation Letter

I will write a letter to the courts, parole board, or other venue where the individual needs to be recommended 

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Recovery Coach

Assistance to support long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

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Certified Peer Support

Support those who struggle with mental health, psychological trauma, or substance use.

We offer a variety of services to build and strengthen communities and individuals.

Books

April Scales spent over three decades behind bars before her miraculous release. She utilized her time of solitude by releasing her pain on paper. April focused on what she wanted out of life and what she would do if given the chance.

  • Book cover titled "Love Tales," featuring a red heart outline and pink background, with the subtitle "A compilation of short stories" and the author's name "April Scales."

    Love Tales is the latest book by April Scales. It is a compilation of short stories that warm the heart and make you think about the “What If” possibilities.

    Buy Now
  • Book cover titled 'Quotes 365' with the subtitle 'Thought provoking quotes for every day of the year' by April Scalès. The cover features decorative black flourishes on a pale, patterned background.

    This is the perfect book to kick off the new year and the new you. Quotes 365 gives daily perspective on self reflection. Knowing yourself inside and out will take you where you need to be.

    Buy Now
  • Book cover with a person sitting on rocks at the beach during sunset, wearing a hat, with the title '31 Days of Growth and Reflection' by April Scales

    Take these next thirty-one days to journal on each daily meditation. Write your feelings and emotions. Youll be surprised at what may be revealed to you. Use this as a time to grow and reflect on areas that can be improved upon.

    Buy Now
  • Book cover titled 'Fenced in Fighting for Freedom' by April Scales, featuring a woman in an orange prison jumpsuit behind a chain-link fence, with prison structures in the background.

    From the author that brought you Memoirs of Suzie, 31 Days of Growth and Reflection, and "Quote 365", FENCED IN is the true story about a girl who became a woman behind bars. The book depicts her struggles, encounters, and how she copes through it all.

    Buy Now
  • Book cover titled "Memoirs of Suz" by April Scales, featuring a person's portrait photograph on a dark wooden background.

    Suzie is a fictitious name but the person is very real. The relationship that she has with her only child will bring a tear to your eye and a pain in your heart. Is this a good or a bad thing?

    Buy Now

News

Featured
The 98%
The 98%

This podcast is dedicated to the 98% of people incarcerated in North Carolina who will eventually be released from prison back into their communities, often with few, if any resources.

Featured
Annual Fundraiser Recap
Annual Fundraiser Recap

‘You’re never the sum of your worst mistake’
‘You’re never the sum of your worst mistake’

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Sentenced to prison for the rest of her life for the murder of her grandparents, April Barber Scales now spends her time on the outside making amends.

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Fenced In: Fighting For Freedom Advocacy is built on lived experience and is passionate about second chances.