Reentry

Highlights from a public screening and panel discussion of Bill Moyers's 'Rikers: An American Jail,' moderated by New Thinking host, Matt Watkins. Commenting on the film and the future of criminal justice reform are Tina Luongo of the Legal Aid Society, Jill Harris of the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, and two of the people formerly held on Rikers featured in the film: Barry Campbell of the Fortune Society, and Johnny Perez of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reintegration Program provides intensive case management and reentry services to tribal members returning to the community from incarceration. The program provides financial assistance for basic needs such as housing, clothing, and groceries, and offers long-term support through educational, vocational, and legal services.

“Reentry to me, is a second chance at life,” said Ramon Semorile, who runs the Reentry Anonymous Group at Bronx Community Solutions. Ramon and his team gathered community partners together at Hostos College in the Bronx to connect people returning from incarceration to help with housing, health care, employment opportunities, and other crucial needs. After the resource fair, returning citizens spoke on a panel about how their own experiences with incarceration and reentry help them to support others now embarking on the same journey.