About Us

Pennsylvania CARES Initiative began with a story of injustice that was impossible to ignore. George Trudel, Co-Founder, a man imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit, spent 31 long years incarcerated. He was trapped in a system that had failed him. Liz Geyer, also our Co-Founder, saw George not as a statistic, but as a human being who deserved a chance at justice. Liz advocated tirelessly for George, reaching out to politicians, university professors, journalists, and social media networks. Their efforts culminated in the powerful documentary, Kim Kardashian West: The Justice Project, which featured their story and advocacy campaign for a friend, alongside Ms. Kardashian. Working closely with so many, they were able to bring George's story to a wider audience. But their work didn't stop there. Over the course of nearly a decade, they have collaborated with thousands of incarcerated individuals, with the majority transitioning back into society. Through their own lived experience as a justice-impacted family, they have witnessed firsthand, the ripple effects of incarceration on families and communities. The societal prejudice endured by children of imprisoned parents is particularly alarming. This bias frequently manifests in school bullying, fosters feelings of seclusion and shame, and results in a noticeable absence of affection and attention in their lives. It's a burden justice-impacted families carry every day. This is the driving force behind Pennsylvania CARES Initiative. George and Liz believe these families need our help. This is more than just an initiative for us. It's our passion. It's what we believe in. We've witnessed the transformative impact of our prison consultations, advocacy efforts, reintegration resources, educational initiatives, and support programs. Our collaboration with law enforcement and local government further amplifies this effect. Providing hope, guidance, and love serves as a pivotal turning point in people's lives. We remain steadfast in our commitment to extend this work to all fractured families in Pennsylvania.