Every year, thousands of people return home from incarceration and begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
That process often includes finding employment, securing housing, accessing healthcare and support services, reconnecting with family, and navigating systems that can be difficult to understand without guidance.
In Western New York, many organizations are doing incredible work to support returning citizens. But this work is complex, and it requires collaboration across many sectors.
That’s where RAWNY comes in.
RAWNY exists to bring together service providers, employers, advocates, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and community leaders who are committed to improving reentry outcomes across our region. By strengthening communication and collaboration between organizations, we help ensure that individuals returning home have better access to the resources and opportunities they need to move forward.
Each year, Reentry Week creates space for this collaboration to happen.
What Is Reentry Week?
Reentry Week is a series of community-focused events designed to bring together organizations and individuals working across the reentry ecosystem.
The goal is simple: strengthen relationships, share resources, and highlight the programs and partnerships that help returning citizens successfully reintegrate into the community.
Throughout the week, we focus on several key areas that are essential to successful reentry, including:
• Employment and workforce development
• Health and wellness support
• Access to community resources and services
• Collaboration between organizations and agencies
• Education and advocacy around reentry challenges and solutions
Reentry Week is both a celebration of the work already happening and an opportunity to deepen partnerships that move this work forward.
The Reentry Connections Conference
The centerpiece of Reentry Week is the Reentry Connections: Collaboration for Change Conference, which will take place on:
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Golisano Institute for Entrepreneurship
Rochester, New York
This conference brings together professionals from across the reentry field including nonprofit organizations, employers, educators, workforce development leaders, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community advocates.
The day will include:
• Panel discussions featuring leaders in workforce development and reentry support
• Resource sharing and collaborative conversations
• Networking opportunities for organizations and professionals
• A vendor and resource area connecting attendees with community services
The conference is designed to create meaningful dialogue and strengthen the partnerships that make successful reentry possible.
Tickets for the conference are available here.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Reentry Week is built on collaboration, and there are many ways for organizations and individuals to participate.
Attend the Conference
If you work in workforce development, social services, healthcare, education, policy, or community advocacy, this conference provides an opportunity to connect with others doing similar work and explore ways to strengthen partnerships across sectors.
Students and professionals interested in learning more about reentry work are also encouraged to attend.
Become a Vendor
Community organizations providing services that support returning citizens are invited to participate as vendors during the conference.
This is a valuable opportunity to share resources, connect with attendees, and build awareness around programs and services that support successful reentry.
Become a Sponsor
Sponsorships help make Reentry Week possible and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening reentry outcomes in our region.
Sponsors receive visibility during the conference and throughout Reentry Week programming while supporting initiatives that directly benefit the community.
Organizations interested in sponsorship opportunities can learn more here.
Share Your Voice
We are also always interested in connecting with speakers and partners who can contribute valuable insights, lived experiences, and professional expertise to the conversation around reentry.
If your organization is doing work that supports returning citizens, we would love to connect.
Moving the Work Forward Together
Successful reentry is not just about the moment someone returns home. It is about the systems, opportunities, and community support that help people rebuild their lives over time.
Reentry Week provides a platform for organizations, employers, and community members to come together, strengthen partnerships, and move this work forward.
When communities collaborate, second chances become real opportunities.
We invite you to join us for Reentry Week and be part of the conversation.
