Western NY “Reentry” Event Invites the Public, Offering Educational Sessions to Those Seeking a Second Chance
Offering Educational Sessions to Those Seeking a Second Chance
April was proclaimed as Second Chance Month, symbolizing the recognition of a new beginning for those individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. The Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) is Monroe County’s “One-Stop” reentry hub which opened in 2023. The RAWNY team embraces a multi-faceted approach to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in their reintegration journey, underscoring the power of meaningful collaborative partnerships. This unified approach, linked with key community agencies, has successfully facilitated a holistic transition for people post-incarceration, empowering individuals and strengthening communities.
RAWNY was originally established in 2005 as a volunteer grassroots member organization known as Safer Monroe County Area Reentry Team (SMART), which provided a platform for over 50 local organizations to share information on reentry and advocate for reentry policies. It was the inspiration of Ann Graham, RAWNY CEO, and other reentry advocates, including former parole and probation officers and justice-involved people, to provide a mechanism for the delivery of services for all individuals released into our community at one location. After garnering support from stakeholders in Monroe County, RAWNY applied for and was awarded funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2023. The vision of a one-stop reentry center to unify key community agencies and clients under one umbrella was achieved.
As a community-based nonprofit agency, RAWNY serves all individuals released from incarceration – whether from Monroe County Jail, federal detention, or state prison. At the onset, RAWNY forged invaluable alliances with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), the U.S. Probation Office, and other stakeholders, fostering a network of referrals into our program.
RAWNY utilizes an individualized approach, offering intake, case planning, and needs assessment. Onsite and offsite agencies include the University of Rochester Healthcare, Opportunity ROCS, Compeer, Legal Assistance Center of Western NY (LAWNY), and Delphi Rise. This collaborative connects clients to services in the following areas: Accessing mental health and/or substance use disorder (SUD) services; Obtaining personal identification; accessing transportation, housing, and legal assistance; acquiring vocational and computer training; connecting with peer services and mentoring; securing employment and education; enrolling in benefits; and accessing healthcare needs.
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.
During Reentry Week, RAWNY welcomes community members, clients, media, and our partner organizations to visit the downtown Rochester facility. The week is dedicated to bringing interactive and informative workshops, raising awareness of the systemic barriers individuals experience once released from custody. RAWNY’s partners have collectively championed a pathway to stability and opportunity for those navigating reentry. View the full schedule here.
Join us at 186-188 Water Street during Reentry Week to learn more about RAWNY’s mission and work.
Providers participating in Reentry Week include Foodlink, Opportunity Rocs, Habitat for Humanity, ReStore, Roc Dogs, Career Start, REOC, Compeer, ROCovery Fitness, Rochester Red Wings, BOCES, CCCS, Friends of the Public Market, Huther Doyle, Cameron Ministries, Reach Health.
RAWNY acknowledges the invaluable contributions of its partner organization in realizing its mission, recognizing the collective impact it achieves through a shared commitment to linkages across the community.