Since 2005, RAWNY has been building a stronger, safer Western New York by supporting people returning home after incarceration.
RAWNY’s Reentry One-Stop provides services and support to individuals returning home from jail, state prison, or federal detention.
We began in 2005 as the Safer Monroe Area Reentry Team (SMART), a grassroots network of volunteers advocating for better reentry policies. In 2021, SMART became the Reentry Association of Western NY (RAWNY), expanding our mission and reach.
Today, we serve as an umbrella organization connecting more than 50 local partners and advocating for reentry services as a permanent part of the justice system. Our work fills critical gaps in housing, healthcare, employment, and community support, reducing recidivism and building safer neighborhoods.
RAWNY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the community by supporting individuals who have experienced incarceration—and the agencies that serve them—to ensure everyone reentering society has access to the resources and support they need.
We envision a community ready to welcome people home—where returning citizens have access to work, healthcare, housing, and support. A community where families are stronger, public safety is enhanced, and every individual has a chance to thrive.
“The reality is that communities don’t decide who is released, but they do face the consequences of unsupported reentry.”
Yari Rivera is a dedicated human services professional with more than twelve years of experience supporting individuals impacted by incarceration, mental health challenges, and chemical dependency.
As RAWNY’s Executive Director, she leads reentry, housing, and supportive service programs in collaboration with law enforcement, community agencies, and funders. Fluent in Spanish and deeply connected to her community, Yari blends professional expertise with lived experience to ensure that individuals returning from incarceration have the resources, advocacy, and support they need to thrive.
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Cathy retired from the United States Probation Officer, Rochester, NY, in December 2020 after 27 years of service. She was the Program Development Specialist overseeing reentry services, collaborative community partnerships, and evidence-based programming, and was previously the Drug and Alcohol Specialist. She developed and facilitated the Reentry Court Program for eight years. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (NCTI) and provided oversight of the CBT program in addition to facilitating trainings throughout NY.
As the Senior Consultant of Grants Management for Empreinte Consulting, LLC, Pam brings her experience in strategic planning and grants development to partner organizations across Western NY and in Southwest FL. With a particular passion for nonprofits and human-centered design, Pam manages the grants management portfolio for the firm. This includes supporting the growing grants team, which provides services to include grant strategy, research, process development, management of the full grant lifecycle for an organization, and more.
Bob has dedicated his career to public service in Monroe County, bringing decades of experience in criminal justice and public safety leadership. He previously served as Chief Probation Officer and Director of Public Safety for Monroe County, playing a vital role in shaping local public safety policy and initiatives.
Kayann is a native of Jamaica but has called Rochester, NY her home for the past 20 years. Kayann is currently the Program Manager for the Rochester Supportive Housing Program with Spectrum Health & Human Services.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Policy from the Warner School of Education at the University of Rochester, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a minor in African and African American Studies, also from the University of Rochester. Kayann has a certification in Behavioral Health – Criminal Justice, as well as a certification in Non-profit Management from St. John Fisher College.
Carl has worked in behavioral health for almost 50 years having served in a variety of roles at Rochester Mental Health Center, Catholic Family Center, Loyola Recovery Foundation and Delphi Rise. In the past three years he has wound down his paid employment but has done some part-time consulting work, primarily working in interim leadership roles at a variety of behavioral health programs. He has ramped up his volunteer work during that time serving on committees at City Roots, a community land trust, and as a trustee for Friends of Ganondagan. He has also continued to serve as a Peer Reviewer and Team Leader for the Council on Accreditation conducting site reviews around the country.
clients served since 2023.
participants released in Monroe County this past year.
federal clients served or under supervision.
community partners nation-wide.
RAWNY makes reentry simple. We connect you to services and support so you can build stability and thrive.
186–188 N. Water Street, Rochester, NY 14604
585.851-8886 | rawnyinfo@rawny.org
Hours: Mon–Thu: 8 am – 4 pm | Fri: 8 am – 1 pm