The project is run by an autonomous, private organization, free of association with the criminal justice or welfare apparatus, both of which are viewed with distrust by offenders and their families and friends. Initial contact is made as soon after incarceration as possible and visits are paid both at the facility and at the home to interview the principals. Reasons for responding to the initiative are need of advice in dealing with the authorities, hope for an earlier release, assistance in handling problems with children and finances, support of the marital and other relationships, and assistance upon release. Contacts continue on a weekly or biweekly basis with those in the home and with the family member at the facility, where common concerns are discussed. At other times, group meetings are arranged among offenders' wives and, sometimes, even their furloughed husbands can be included. The assistance offered goes beyond mere tips on how to deal with immediate pressures and decisions. Project counselors direct participants' concentration toward maintaining their relationships and planning for the future. The project has also been able to arrange large-scale excursions with all their participants for annual week-long family-oriented retreats with seminar programming and recreation.