It’s an incredible honor to serve and lead as Osborne’s President & CEO.
For years, I knew Osborne as a powerhouse with the remarkable ability to blend high-quality direct services with effective advocacy and community partnerships.
I join Osborne at a critical moment for reform. Despite the uncertainties of this time, our focus remains unwavering. We will — we must — continue working to close Rikers; bring home as many people from prison as possible, as quickly as possible; support children, families, and healthy relationships; and advocate for solutions rooted in accountability, justice, and healing rather than retribution, compounding harm, and incarceration.
I also arrive at a moment of immense possibility and growth. With the opening of Fulton Community Reentry Center in the Bronx and the Marcus Garvey supportive housing program in Brooklyn, we will soon go from having zero to more than two hundred beds for those reentering the community from incarceration who would otherwise be homeless or unstably housed.
My short time here has already confirmed what is well-known in the wider justice advocacy community: Osborne has an unparalleled foundation of talent, passion, and perseverance to make good on our commitment to transform lives, communities, and the criminal justice system. Let’s build on this foundation together!
|
|
Youth Leaders Fight to Protect Visits
|
|
|
|
In person visiting is a lifeline for families. Limited visiting hours at jails, restrictions in prison visiting, and the threat of video replacing in-person visits threaten this lifeline.
Osborne’s Youth Action Council (YAC) members, ages 15 to 18, have all experienced a parent’s incarceration, and know the importance of staying connected during this difficult separation. The YAC traveled to the State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, April 26, to call for the passage of the Protect In-Person Visiting bill (S2841A/ A4250A) and the Connecting Families bill (S3512A/ A3096A). The YAC met with Assembly members Nily Rozic and Emily Gallagher, both of whom have been consistent champions of the YAC’s efforts. They also took part in the #CommunitiesNotCages rally calling to eliminate mandatory minimums and end extreme sentencing. Join Osborne and the YAC in calling for the passage of the Protect In-Person Visiting bill.
|
|
|
Osborne supports the bonds between incarcerated women and their children, and the efforts of women in prisons and jails to be the mothers they wish to be. This Mother’s Day, give a meaningful gift to a mother figure in your life by making a donation to Osborne in their honor or memory. Click here to donate and select an eCard that will be sent to your chosen recipient.
|
|
|
The Urban Institute published an evaluation of our Harlem FamilyWorks, an intergenerational program that serves youth, young adults, adults, and families impacted by the criminal legal system. According to program participants, FamilyWorks offers effective peer and staff support, a safe space to share their experience of the criminal legal system, and help in strengthening family relationships. |
|
|
|
Osborne led a collaboration with many of the largest reentry service providers in New York City to send a letter to Mayor Adams and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander urging the continued funding of reentry hotels. Established in April 2020 as an emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the hotels have been a vital resource for people coming home from jail and prison. Rikers and the dearth of reentry housing continue to be emergencies. The hotels fill a critical, ongoing, otherwise unmet need.
|
|
|
Join us in our work to build a justice system that promotes healing, safety, accountability, and real opportunities to thrive.
Archana Jayaram
President & CEO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
