On April 28th several
organizations from around the NYC metropolitan area gathered here in Brownsville
to take part in a Re-Entry Town Hall as a part of National Re-Entry Week
Sir Isaac Newton once said “We build too many walls and not enough
bridges.” All too often, societal barriers
and new opportunities become life-long blockades that seem insurmountable for
individuals who have had contact with the criminal justice system in this
country. Although efforts, in the realm
of criminal justice reform have been the a focal point of much needed change,
we as a community must take every opportunity to create pathways that not only
open doors but stabilize the foundation on which those doors stand.
Brooklyn Defender Services in
Collaboration with the Brownsville Community Justice Center sought to create a
space for dialogue, resources and empowerment for our returning citizens. The
goal of the townhall was to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals and
their families have access to a wealth of information and support services that
ultimately would afford them with an opportunity to re-acclimate back into
their respective communities. Topics
ranged from finding housing to applying for Certificates of Relief/Good Conduct
Members of the community
asked poignant questions about navigating the various systems upon being
released. Additionally, Powerful
presentations were given by a host of community partners including Fortune
Society who is a leader in serving
the community by providing housing, employment services, education programs and
a plethora of other needs-based supports. Lawrence Harris of Green City
Force shared a compelling personal
testimony about returning home after serving 14 years in prison. “I took
advantage of the community-based organizations and resources that were made
available to me and Green City Force was the first organization to give me a
shot!” Lawrence is currently helping to
re-build communities. He brought a group of youth corps members that he now
mentors through Green City’s energy efficiency project. Derek Slaughter of the NY Commission on Human Rights discussed the importance of combatting discriminatory
practices in employment, housing, economic status and other public arenas. Jasmine
Bowie and Felicia Henry of the Brownsville Community Justice Center presented
on working with incarcerated youth and re-entry programs. Reverend Eddie Karim
Legislative Aid to Assemblywoman Latrice Walker delivered words of encouragement and wisdom to our
community.
This town hall is one step to
building a “bridge” between returning citizens and home!
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