In July 2014, the J.C. Flowers Foundation sponsored program, the Reentry Faith and Family Circles of Support launched "Raising My Voice," a Speaker's Bureau comprised of formerly incarcerated individuals. This September, twelve individuals completed the intensive training in leadership and public speaking.

Upon graduation, Raising My Voice members present to faith groups, community organizations, and students, as well as non- traditional audiences such as employers, prosecutors, and law enforcement. Sharing their personal narratives gives these individuals the chance to: 

1. Inspire communities to mobilize around effective reentry policies and practices
2. Give back to communities they have harmed by deterring others from walking in their shoes 
3. Develop critical work and leadership skills

Congratulations Speakers!

Are you interested in booking a speaking engagement, or becoming a speaker? Please contact Linda Steele at 212.360.4117 or my email lsteele@nycourts.gov. 

For information on volunteering with the Re-Entry Faith & Family Circles of Support, please contact Theo Harris at theo@interfaithcenter.org, or Anisah Sabur at 212.360. 8747or asabur@nycourts.gov.

The J.C Flowers Foundation sponsored program, the Family and Faith Reentry Circles of Support, is a joint initiative of the Harlem Community Justice Center, the Interfaith Center of New York and the Network in the Prisons/ Network in the Community Programs (Network Program). The goal is to engage family members and faith community volunteers to support men and women returning to Harlem from prison. 

Harlem Community Justice Center Intern, Monique Claiborne, has prepared a series of profiles of the volunteers, staff, and participants of the Family and Faith Reentry Circles of Support. The first two are highlighted here with links to the full articles. 

Rev. Redhawk is an associate minister at the Interfaith Temple, called to work in reentry reform as it is a matter of securing human rights. According to Rev. Redhawk, “Our spirituality is the linchpin of our humanity. When we recognize that humanity is our uniting religion, maybe then we’ll realize what human rights are all about.” 

Read how Reverend Redhawk came to this ministry and more in the full article...

70 year old Sarah Colbert is a retired radiology tech, Occupational Safety Department employee and nursing assistant who could be resting on her hard earned laurels. Instead she has taken on helping parolees as they await their hearings and offering important words of encouragement. Sarah is a veteran volunteer through her church—St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church—where she has volunteered with the HIV/AIDS program, feeding ministry and health education. Sarah tells parolees, "you can do it!," kind words of support and encouragement in a tense time. 

Learn more about Sarah and her work at the Family and Faith Re-entry Circles of Support in the full article...