Who We Are
Silent Cry Inc. is a New York based non-profit organization that takes a holistic approach to aftercare from mass incarceration, gun violence, and trauma. We understand that the quality of care is the single biggest factor for impacting and invoking changes. We support affected children and families during and after a challenging period. We use our skill sets and experiences to continuously tap into what is happening in the community. We understand the challenges people face in the process of self-development and when overcoming grief.
Founded and Directed by Shawanna Vaughn, Silent Cry Inc. has also worked to raise awareness around Post Traumatic Prison Disorder, underscoring the traumas created by incarceration and calling for training of prison personnel in the basic core competencies of trauma-informed mental health care, comprehensive policies for service provision to incarcerated individuals, investments in behavioral healthcare services (including screening, assessment and clinical interventions for trauma) as well as facilitating connection to services post-release.
Feature Articles
-
![]()
"The Act of Thanksgiving is a way of recognizing the faithfulness of God in our lives- it is a way to consciously take time and humbly present ourselves before God and each other."
Medium.com
Tammy Reese | November 22, 2021
-
![]()
“I was born in prison, rented to the foster care system, then leased back to prison.”
Forbes
Amanda Nguyen | May 13, 2021
-
![]()
"You perpetuate systemic oppression through your elite standards and unrealistic expectations"
Columbia Spectator
PASTOR ISAAC SCOTT | FEBRUARY 16, 2021
About the Founder
The founder and the Director of Silent Cry Inc., Shawanna Vaughn, is a native of Bakersfield, California, and a mother of two. Silent Cry, Inc. is the product of the tears she shed while overcoming the pain and hardships of incarceration, the loss of a brother to gang initiation violence, and surviving cancer. She is the true definition of strength, courage, and determination.
"I've been impacted by the aftermath of senseless violence and I'm also formerly incarcerated. With that, I've turned tragedy into Healing through my pain. I now find my voice in justice and healing our communities and hearts. I’ve crafted a policy called, Post Traumatic Prison Disorder “Shawanna W76337”. It is a comprehensive policy on mental health reconstruction for children of incarcerated parents, Inclusive of long-term individuals with vendor therapies available to combat depression and suicide prevention. And, offering services of a holistic approach to post-incarceration individuals because healthy lifestyles and mental stability reduce repetitive behaviors which lead to reincarnation. My life has been a journey that has led me to many places and I've had the wonderful pleasure to work with Columbia business school in simulations. My lifestyle is changing the narrative on criminal justice issues. I'm a member of the Confined arts project. A member of Peace and Justice studies. Proud to say May of 2019, I will be attending Columbia University. Education over adversity is a model I believe in and advocate for young people."