"Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Acting on recommendations from the Clemency Advisory Panel, Governor Hochul announced clemency for 2, leaving a broader backlog of applications, leaving advocates disappointed in her promise to issue clemencies on a "rolling basis.

HALT Solitary report static1.squarespace.com/static/62f15... released by Correctional Association of NY

We wish all in our community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, that begins this evening September 22nd, Shanah tovah!

Practical tips will be explored to promote the wellbeing for both staff and residents, in carceral conditions....to measuring success beyond recidivism rates, at the upcoming October 26 – 31, 2025, ICPA Conference, registration now open!

Following their weeklong advocacy events, @freedomagendany.bsky.social has released an updated publication, Countdown to Closing Rikers Policy Brief. with ‘key next steps’ for New York City to follow through on the legal and moral obligation to close Rikers, by 2027

“The Very Narrow Bridge: A Rikers Island Siddur”one-of-a-kind siddur, features bright colors, bold text and an amalgam of Hebrew, English, Russian and Ladino prayers...

WEATHER. The heat wave in the city continues with a high of 91 today. See the full forecast at amsterdamnews.com/weather.

The disproportionate financial burden, by loved ones, previously funding accounts for collect call rates as high as 24 cents per minute, will now be ended, as effective August 1st, calls will be free, enabling strengthening family bonds, especially for mothers with their children.

Congratulations, to all New York Public Schools and the Department of Correction program 63 high school graduates, a success story worthy of acknowledgement and praise, givien conditions while detained, as youths in Rikers Island, awaiting your cases to be adjudicated by the courts.

The @council.nyc.gov is “Set to Pass Bill Mandating Disclosure of Rikers Deaths”reports @thecity.nyc

NYS DOCCS has announced Bedford Hills C F visiting and family reunion program changes effective the week of July 14, 2025: doccs.ny.gov/visitation-u...

This week Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams Reached a 'Handshake Agreement' for an On-Time Fiscal Year 2026 Budget that will provide additional resources for Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) services and Reentry support ($32.4 million).

Congratulations, Class of 2025!!!

~ Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus @https://bphacaucus.com/robert-brooks-blueprint-for-justice-reform?fbclid=IwY2xjawKwEYpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBkZnFXcndyTmRvRTdzZnA1AR4gv66J60pAK3BR4v9TWkaHDv-5vy80_H8dINMa48y_SQlMKDAZ5Ro63YZW8Q_aem_iP5AdBUI2tHFAsZwGiGpdA

10:00 AM Joint Public Hearing: Safety of Persons in Custody, Transparency, and Accountability within State Correctional FacilitiesLegislative Office Building nysenate.gov/calendar/pub... WILL LIVE STREAM

Have you registered yet?

In a 77-page ruling Judge Swain orders ~ Outside Official Will Take Over Deadly Rikers Island Jail, www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/n...

Join the @cityharvestnyc.bsky.social team campaign! #WeAreCityHarvest

With the budget finally passed advocates are pushing for the Elder Parole bill, which would allow state prison incarcerated over 55 who have served more than 15 years of their sentence to apply for parole. The legislation has majority support in the state Senate.

Our Mother's Day auction is live! secure.qgiv.com/event/hourch...

Join the May 20th, People's Campaign for Parole Justice, statewide grassroots coalition Parole Justice advocacy day in the New York State Capitol in Albany!

Read the latest Hudson Valley Living magazine ~ with our ad featuring our Host Family Summer Program ~ and register for our May 14th information session!

As the NYS Assembly continues their extender budget hearing NY Senator Cordell Cleare introduced Senate Bill 7657 - Establishes a bill of rights for family members and visitors of incarcerated individuals including the establishment of an independent office

Innovative Rikers program www.unesco.org/fr/dtc-finan... @unesco.org

Weekend NYS DOCC visiting is happening but protecting visits needs legislative action ~ Join advocates in Albany on April 29th for Advocacy Day to call on the state legislature to pass the Protect In-Person Visiting Bill this year.

NYC Public Advocate Condemns Mayor’s Failure To Move Toward Closing Rikers And Protecting New Yorkers advocate.nyc.gov/press/nyc-pu...

Chag Pesach sameach!

Register to join this upcoming rally!

Now in the Finance Committee for a vote to pass: S4520 sponsor Senator Jamaal T. Bailey To help ensure that individuals being released from state and local correctional facilities receive appropriate support and services when reentering the community.

Close Rikers niw: davisvanguard.org/2025/04/new-...

NYS DOCCS strike forces www.thecity.nyc/2025/04/03/r... Rikers detainees transfers delay @cityandstateny.bsky.social

Thank you to the NY Assembly Chair, Correction Committee, members, and NYS Assemblymember Chris Burdick for passing the Fair & Timely Parole and Elder Parole bills!

S1892B Expands who may visit local correctional facilities, sponsor Senator Robert Jackson ~ CAL NO. 260 on the April 2nd Session

On 3/27, our very own Chrystal Colón joined a powerful group of women authors for the official book launch of If These Scars Could Talk📷—a transformative collection of stories by formerly incarcerated women who turned pain into power.

The need for creation of the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund, a pioneering initiative www.cityandstateny.com/opinion/2025... @cityandstateny.bsky.social

Echoes of Incarceration will panel POLICY & ADVOCACY - The Wise Discerning of Ann Adalist-Estrin - A Video Tribute by Echoes of Incarceration · Jeremy Robins, Director, Echoes of Incarceration · Kharon Benson, Echoes of Incarceration

Emergency Executive Order 768 WHEREAS, the state of emergency existing within DOC facilities, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 241, dated September 15, 2021, and extended by subsequent orders, remains in effect

Security policy issued for visitors to NYS DOCCS facilities doccs.ny.gov/updated-visi...