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Explore stories, events, and updates on reentry in WNY.
MacKenzie Scott Fund Grant
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.
Reentry & Housing in Cleveland
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne speaks highly of the need to improve housing services for those who were formerly incarcerated.
In Memory of David Leonard
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.
Reentry Week 2026: Building Connections That Support Successful Reentry
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.
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Why Reentry Matters — The Ripple Effect on Families and Communities
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.
Prison to Promise
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.
Re-Entry Week 2024: Find Support at RAWNY
The Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) team is eager to kick off this year’s Reentry Week!
Buffalo native seeks to give those formerly incarcerated a ‘Clean Slate’
For Buffalo native Thomas Gant, his purpose was found following his conviction for a 1998 murder on Leroy Avenue.
How Do People Released From Prison Find Housing?
Thousands of people released from prison in New York go directly to homeless shelters.
Western NY “Reentry” Event Invites the Public, Offering Educational Sessions to Those Seeking a Second Chance
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.
San Quentin Could Be the Future of Prisons in America
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.