Correctional Library Services > Connections 2008 > Organizations for Formerly Incarcerated People

Organizations for Formerly Incarcerated People

Adjustment back to the community is often a difficult process. Fortunately, various groups exist to make that transition a little bit easier. Some of the organizations, such as The Fortune Society, are operated largely by formerly incarcerated people and provide a wide range of important services. Other groups focus on one area: job assistance, counseling, helping people living with HIV/AIDS. In any case, there is usually no substitute for finding a person you can connect with, a person who’s been through it all, and who can lend a sympathetic ear as well as give meaningful advice on problems specific to you as an ex-prisoner.

THE FORTUNE SOCIETY

53 West 23rd Street, Manhattan 10010
Telephone: 212.691.7554
39 West 19th Street, Manhattan 10011
Telephone: 212.206.7070
www.fortunesociety.org
The Fortune Society assists prisoners, formerly incarcerated people and those facing jail or prison time. Staffed primarily by people who have been through the criminal justice system themselves, Fortune's many programs include counseling, crisis intervention, family programs, educational and job services and recreational activities.

The in-house school offers tutoring by volunteers in GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Computer classes introduce the basics of Microsoft Office and Internet searching. A two-week workshop is offered at the Career Development Unit on job search and preparation skills, including mock interviews and resume preparation. Access to computers, phones and faxes is available in the Job Resource Room. Job Developers assist clients in securing employment.

Assistance is available for people living with HIV and AIDS in discharge planning, case management and support groups inside and outside jails and prisons. A variety of alternative-to-incarceration (ATI) programs for defendants are provided, including the Nueva Vida program for Spanish-speaking people.

Fortune operates a 24-hour Drop In Center for people just discharged from Riker's Island, where you can link to needed services (for all releasees, with a focus on those who are HIV positive). Meet the staff at the bus stop or call 718.937.6230.

They publish the magazine Fortune News (free to prisoners) and provide the public with information on the criminal justice system. No legal services are offered. Upon written request the Society provides letters of reasonable assurance. Serves people 16 and over. Walk in or call Mon.-Thu. 9-8; Fri. 9-5; Sat. 10-3. Spanish also spoken.

Note: The Fortune Society also provides some housing. For information, write the Fortune Academy at 630 Riverside Drive, New York NY 10031.

THE OSBORNE ASSOCIATION

809 Westchester Avenue, Bronx 10455
Telephone: 718.842.0500
175 Remsen Street, Brooklyn 11201
Telephone: 718.637.6560
www.osborneny.org
The Osborne Association assists defendants, formerly incarcerated people, people on probation and parole, prisoners, and their families. It offers a wide range of educational, vocational, support and health services inside and outside New York courts, prisons and jails, including court advocacy, intensive outpatient substance abuse services, walk-in harm reduction services, intensive HIV/AIDS case management and support for families.

Osborne's Prevention and Treatment Services provides support groups and low-threshold treatment, in English and Spanish, for those at risk for or coping with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, quitting smoking, and other health concerns. Acupuncture and medical testing are available on-site, and help accessing health insurance is provided. The PEETP program trains people living with HIV/AIDS to become peer counselors. Housing placement assistance and independent living skills counseling are provided to those with HIV/AIDS. Individuals wishing to access any of these services will be matched with a caseworker. Osborne's El Rio program is a community-based addiction recovery and relapse prevention program for individuals mandated to treatment by the courts or community corrections agencies. Call the Bronx site for more information.

Osborne's Employment & Training Services (formerly called South Forty Corporation) provides vocational services to people with criminal records. This includes assessment, testing, career and educational counseling, job readiness workshops, resume preparation, job search assistance and post-employment support in adjusting to the demands of the workplace and staying employed.

Parenting education classes, children's visiting centers and the Healthy Marriage Program are offered to help couples and families maintain relationships when a partner or parent is incarcerated. Check with the Transitional Services Center to determine what programs are available in your facility or write the Long Island City address for further information. For information on Osborne's Family Resource Center in Brooklyn see the Counseling and Family Services chapter of this directory.

Upon written request, Osborne provides prisoners with letters of reasonable assurance. Spanish also spoken. Osborne's buildings are accessible to people with disabilities. Call ahead to determine what ID and documents to bring to your first visit.

EXODUS TRANSITIONAL COMMUNITY

161 East 104th Street, Manhattan 10029
Telephone: 917.492.0990
www.etcny.org
Staffed mostly by formerly incarcerated people, Exodus provides employment training and placement services as well as life management training and support. The five day job preparation program includes resume writing, videotaped practice interviews, job research skills, and an introduction to e-mail and the internet.

Support groups include the Addictive Personality Group, Mentoring Children of Incarcerated Parents (MCP) and The Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program. Community mentors provide guidance with job hunting, transitional housing, community resources and general support. Exodus also provides supportive night groups in anger management and substance abuse.

Breakfast and lunch is provided during the week. A clothing closet is available to help with casual and business attire. Exodus will provide letters of reasonable assurance. Only people released within the past year are eligible. Call ahead Mon.–Fri. 9–2.

NETWORK IN THE COMMUNITY

Episcopal Social Services of New York
305 Seventh Avenue, 6th Floor, Manhattan 10001
Telephone: 212.886.5618 or 212.886.5613
www.essnyc.org/public.html
Network in the Community is a support program for individuals returning from New York State correctional facilities. The program is based on the same therapeutic principles as the ESS Network in the Prisons, but is supplemented by re-entry services in the following areas: mentoring, job training/placement referrals, job readiness skills, educational assistance and health services referrals, including substance abuse treatment. The Network Community Behavioral Health Program offers group and/or individual therapy to people dealing with re-entry stress, alcohol or substance abuse issues and anger management problems. Weekly support meetings at five sites are led by formerly incarcerated men and women, all of whom are trained in the Network format. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 or write for more information. Contact person: Damon Moore, Network Coordinator.

LANDING STRIP

c/o The Alternatives to Violence Project
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)
Telephone: 800.909.8920
www.avpusa.org
A follow-up support group for people who took part in training in prison in the Alternatives to Violence Project. The group meets the first Tuesday and third Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm at the Friends Meeting House, 15 Rutherford Place in Manhattan. Call for more information and for other groups statewide.

CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING
AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICES (CASES)

346 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Manhattan 10013
Telephone: 212.732.0076
www.cases.org
CASES is an alternative-to-incarceration (ATI) organization providing security and supervision to over 10,000 people each year. Their focus is on re-integration into society, addressing the economic, educational, health and other social factors that underlie repeated criminal behavior. The Day Custody Program is a sentencing alternative for people with multiple misdemeanor convictions. It involves three days of jail in Manhattan, performing community service and receiving services and referrals, with follow-up. The Nathaniel Project is a two-year ATI program for people diagnosed with mental illness who have been sentenced for a felony. This community service alternative sanction includes treatment and supportive services (groceries, shoes, etc) aiding offenders in breaking the cycle of re-incarceration. In the case of technical parole violators who have been re-incarcerated, CASES works to restore parole status and connect individuals to services. Participation in CASES programs is court-mandated: individuals are encouraged to inform their counsel about the alternative sanctions CASES provides. For more information call or visit their website. Accessible to people with disabilities.

EXPONENTS, INC.

151 West 26th Street, Manhattan 10001
Telephone: 212.243.3434
www.exponents.org
Exponents is a non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses, as well as incarceration. ARRIVE is their two-month recovery program offering life skills building, training and support services. The Case Management/Recovery Readiness program matches clients to managers who can assist with benefits: housing, health care and drug treatment needs. Drug Treatment Services is an outpatient medically supervised program for people with chronic illness such as addiction, mental illness, HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes, athsma or hypertension. Individuals in Exponents programs learn techniques for sustainably managing stress and promoting healthy behavior, avoiding relapse, and advocating for themselves. Ex-Offender Conferences take place five times per year. Call first; no referral needed. Can provide letters of reasonable assurance. Contact people: Sam Rivera – ext. 155; Chanelle Sessions – ext. 110. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVES

39 West 19th Street, 10th Floor, Manhattan 10011
Telephone: 212.691.1911
25 Chapel Street, 7th Floor, Brooklyn 11201
Telephone: 718.858.9658
The Center for Community Alternatives serves people who are involved in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. It provides information, referral, education, and support services for HIV positive people, as well as a harm-reduction program for women who are HIV positive. An outpatient substance abuse treatment program is available for women. CCA provides client-specific planning and defender-based advocacy. Can also provide referrals and assistance accessing housing entitlements. An employment service for women includes employment readiness training and placement. Call ahead Mon.-Fri. 9-5.; Manhattan office open until 8 Mon., Tues. & Wed. Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

COMALERT
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

10 Joralemon Street, 3rd Floor Brooklyn 11201
Telephone 718.250.5557
www.brooklynda.org/ComAlert/comalert.htm
Part of the Brooklyn DA's ofice, COMALERT is a re-entry program for Brooklyn residents on parole or probation, offering a wide variety of services under one roof: drug and alcohol counseling, job training, literacy instruction, GED and college preparation, and more. Referrals to assistance with transitional housing and job placement are available, plus help accessing medical care and health insurance. Must be referred by your parole officer or the Doe Fund (listed in the Finding a Job chapter.) Call Mon.-Thu. 9-7; Fri. 9-5. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

HARLEM RESTORATION PROJECT, INC.

1980 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, Manhattan 10026
Telephone: 212.662.8186
A non-profit organization currently managing and maintaining a number of apartment buildings, providing housing mostly for low-income tenants. Gives preference to formerly incarcerated people for any openings it may have in its office or building renovation projects. All levels of people are hired, from laborers to administrators. On occasion, housing is available to former prisoners and their families. Serves all age groups. Preference is given to Harlem residents. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 or write for more information.

BOWERY RESIDENCE COMMITTEE INC. SPAN Program

1000 Grand Concourse, Suite 2E, Bronx 10451
Telephone: 718.590.1235
www.brc.org/programs_discharge_planning.php
Provides outreach, referrals and discharge planning to people recently discharged from New York State or New York City correctional facilities, specializing in services to people who received mental health care treatment while incarcerated. The Discharge Planning team connects individuals with medical and support services and helps them access entitlements. Medication Grant Program Cards, which can be used at many pharmacies in New York City, are dispensed to individuals in need of medication who qualify. To access the Medication Grant Program you must report to SPAN within seven days of release; for SPAN's comprehensive discharge planning services you must report within thirty days. For New York City residents 18 and over only. Accessible to people with disabilities. Drop in or call for more information; SPAN cannot answer personal letters.

For services in other boroughs, call:
MANHATTAN SPAN at 212.732.7906
BROOKLYN SPAN at 718.625.9736
QUEENS SPAN at 718.897.1854

HOWIE THE HARP ADVOCACY CENTER
THE S.T.A.R. PROJECT

2090 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, 12th Floor
Manhattan 10027
Telephone: 212.865.0775
The S.T.A.R. Project offers two programs for people with mental illness who have a history of incarceration. The Forensic Peer Specialist Program trains participants to be peer counselors, while the Assisted Competitive Employment Program targets those with work experience and offers eight weeks of job-readiness training for work in the human services field. Call or walk in Mon.-Fri. 9-5, or write for pamphlet. Accessible to people with disabilities.

BINDING TOGETHER, INC.

50 Broad Street, Manhattan 10013
Telephone: 212.742.0020
www.bindingtogether.org
Binding Together, Inc. is a print technology and graphic communications company providing job training and placement, financial incentives, and counseling. There is a 100% job-placement rate with lifetime access. Targets formerly incarcerated people, people who are HIV positive, and those recovering from substance abuse. Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Call first for tour.

BLACK VETERANS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE, INC.

665 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn 11206
Telephone: 718.935.1116
Assists veterans and their families in areas such as housing, employment, VA benefits, and upgrading discharges. Makes referrals to shelters. Must have DD214 military discharge papers (can assist veterans in acquiring this documentation). Call Mon.-Fri. 9-5 or write for more information. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

FIFTH AVENUE COMMITTEE
Developing Justice in South Brooklyn Project

621 DeGraw Street, Brooklyn 11217
Telephone: 718.237.2017
A program designed to help formerly incarcerated people who live in or are returning to South Brooklyn: Park Slope, Gowanus, Red Hook or Sunset Park. Provides walk-in support to individuals on parole or probation or who have a pending criminal case, utilizing the job development, vocational training, housing assistance, peer counseling and community organizing resources of the Fifth Avenue Committee. Organizes regular Community Justice Workshops on a range of topics aimed at people with friends and family in prison. Also does advocacy work in the community on criminal justice and drug law reform issues. Call Mon.-Fri. 9-8. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

FAMILY JUSTICE

La Bodega de La Familia
272 East 3rd Street, Manhattan 10009
Telephone: 212.982.2335
Family Bodega - Unity Plaza Housing
340-A Williams Avenue, Brooklyn 11207
Telephone: 718.342.2650
www.familyjustice.org
Family Justice provides case-management services for families who have a loved one incarcerated, coming home from prison, or under community supervision, or a young person at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system. La Bodega and family Bodega are place-based programs that accept families (broadly defined) who live on the lower East Side (First Avenue to the East River/14th Street and South) or in Brooklyn’s Brownsville and East New York neighborhoods. Call or drop in Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

FRIENDS OF ISLAND ACADEMY

330 West 38th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues),
Room 301, Manhattan 10018
Telephone: 212.760.0755
A community-based organization that serves young people ages 11-21 who have been involved with the criminal justice system and are returning to New York City. Among its many services are counseling, leadership training, alternative education (including GED preparation,) a pre-employment workshop, and job placement. A fathering initiative works with fathers ages 16 and up. Must be referred. Call for more information, Mon.-Fri. 9-5. Spanish also spoken. Accessible to people with disabilities.

MID-BRONX COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COALITION, INC.

489 St. Paul's Place, Bronx 10456
Telephone: 718.590.0655
Provides HIV/AIDS awareness workshops, GED testing (must be 17-20 years of age,) referral to job training and placement, computer training and free Internet access. Must have birth certificate and Social Security card when registering. Call for appointment: Mon.-Fri. 9-4. Contact person: Yakeima McAllister. Spanish also spoken.

There are organizations offering a wide range of services to formerly incarcerated women in the Women chapter.

For services to prisoner's families, see the chapter on Counseling and Family Services.

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