Buffalo native seeks to give those formerly incarcerated a ‘Clean Slate’
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For Buffalo native Thomas Gant, his purpose was found following his conviction
Explore stories, events, and updates on reentry in WNY.
A local non-profit that helps men and women leaving jail or prison reintegrate into our community, just got a big boost in funding from philanthropist Mackenzie Scott.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne speaks highly of the need to improve housing services for those who were formerly incarcerated.
David (Dave) Leonard was a man whose life was defined by compassion, dignity, and a deep belief in the worth of every person.
Early in his career, Dave served as a corrections officer, where he became known for treating incarcerated individuals with respect and humanity. He believed firmly that every person deserved dignity, regardless of their circumstances.
More than 40 years ago, Dave was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), which forced him to retire earlier than planned. During this difficult time, his fellow officers demonstrated extraordinary generosity by donating their leave time so he could retire with full benefits; an act of kindness he remained profoundly grateful for throughout his life.
Determined to continue contributing to others, he went on to earn his master’s degree in 2002 and built a second career as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, dedicating his work to helping individuals navigate barriers, find employment, and build meaningful paths forward.
At his core, Dave was a deeply humanistic person: someone who believed in fairness, second chances, and the power of compassion. He will be remembered for the respect he showed others, the resilience he demonstrated in his own life, and the lasting impact he made on those around him.
When someone comes home from incarceration, they don’t come home alone. They return to families trying to rebuild trust, children learning to adjust, and neighborhoods waiting to see what happens next.
This podcast will explore strategies formerly incarcerated people use to avoid returning to prison, and we will talk about the things they are doing today to create purpose-driven lives.
The Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) team is eager to kick off this year’s Reentry Week!
For Buffalo native Thomas Gant, his purpose was found following his conviction for a 1998 murder on Leroy Avenue.
Thousands of people released from prison in New York go directly to homeless shelters.
RAWNY is proud to announce it has connected over 100 people to vocational training and employment opportunities and 500 clients were provided with linkages to mental health, SUD, primary care, and employment/vocational services. RAWNY has also assisted with obtaining identification for 197 individuals.
There are many ways to measure the disaster that is America’s prison system: the sheer, monstrous size of the captive population, the wildly disproportionate confinement of Black and brown prisoners, the recidivism rate, the prevalence of sexual assault, suicide and mental illness rates.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — For Buffalo native Thomas Gant, his purpose was found following his conviction
Reentry Week is April 21 – 26, 2024. The Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY)
ROCHESTER, N.Y – A local non-profit that helps men and women leaving jail or prison reintegrate
Every year, thousands of people return home from incarceration and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. That process often
For most people, coming home means family dinners, hugs, and familiar faces. For someone coming home after incarceration, it can
Every year, hundreds of men and women return home from incarceration across Upstate New York. Some walk out with nothing
Coming home isn’t just stepping through a door. It’s standing at the edge of a maze. Returning citizens often face
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