OUR HISTORY
FailSafe-ERA was founded in August 2009 by Juanita Shanks. It was born out of a deeply personal journey through the criminal justice system with her son. What began as a mother’s emotional struggle quickly became a divine calling—a realization that her experience was not solely about her or her son but about what God intended to accomplish through her to support others impacted by incarceration.
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This journey began years earlier, before 2009, as Juanita faced overwhelming emotions and a lack of available support. There was no organization to help her understand how to manage the emotional toll, how to support her son in overcoming his choices, or how to navigate his successful reentry into the community. Her faith in God became her foundation and saving grace during this time.
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In 2004, while commuting to her federal job at the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C., from her home in Dale City, Virginia, Juanita began to envision the support she desperately needed — an organization devoted to helping families like hers. This vision materialized into the concept of FailSafe-ERA, an acronym for Families Affected by Incarcerated Loved-ones Sincere and Forward-thinking Exhorters – Education, Rehabilitation, Adaptation. It was through pain that her purpose was born, and the impact of this experience profoundly shaped her family’s life.
After relocating to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 2005, Juanita volunteered with a reentry organization for women while continuing to seek guidance and answers. In 2009, she officially launched FailSafe-ERA at the Bragg Hill Family Life Center with a founding board that included Janice Boles, Brenda Locke, Sue Parr, Dr. Pam Ray, and June Bennett.
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Between 2010 and 2013, Juanita faced several personal challenges — caring for and losing her mother, her husband's battle with stomach cancer, and gaining custody of her granddaughter. In the midst of these trials, a source of joy came from her daughter’s pursuit of higher education, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Counseling and Education.
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FailSafe-ERA’s board reconvened and expanded in early 2014. In February 2015, the organization achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. While the initial mission was to support families, it soon became clear that to truly reach them, FailSafe-ERA needed to connect with their incarcerated loved ones. Juanita began ministering to inmates, which led to the development of the guide Building Your Spiritual House: Pathway to the Next Level. This marked the evolution of the organization toward a holistic approach — addressing both spiritual and practical needs.
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Over the years, FailSafe-ERA’s mission has expanded to support everyone impacted by incarceration: inmates, returning citizens, their families, and the broader community. The organization is intentional about its language, referring to formerly incarcerated individuals not as “ex-inmates” or “ex-cons,” but as returning citizens — affirming their dignity and potential for transformation.
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Juanita’s son was the catalyst for the creation of FailSafe-ERA, and his legacy continues to drive its work. His parting words, a reflection of his faith and character, continue to resonate: “Don’t worry about me, Mom. I’m good. Take care of all the others.”
Alongside Philippians 2:14–16, these words remain a guiding light for the organization’s mission and impact.