Building Resilience and Validating Experiences (BRAVE) Program

Osborne’s Building Resilience and Validating Experiences (BRAVE) program supports people in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction on Rikers Island, with holistic, trauma-informed services that foster healing, emotional resilience, and preparation for life after release.

The program offers a range of therapeutic workshops, including mindfulness and movement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety and relapse prevention, creative writing, healthy relationship workshops, and expressive arts. Participants receive individualized counseling and behavioral health screenings to identify personal goals and address stress, anxiety, and other emotional needs. We also work one-on-one with participants who seek additional support. Services are tailored to meet the needs of diverse groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and those in restrictive housing or mental observation units.

In partnership with Hostos Community College, New York Safety and Training (NYST), the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), and CASES, BRAVE connects participants to educational and vocational training, safety certifications, employment opportunities, and behavioral health care, ensuring that support continues beyond jail-based programming and into the community.

As participants approach discharge, Osborne helps them plan for reentry and connects them to community resources. Staff provide personalized support by escorting participants directly from city jails to Osborne offices or partner agencies. A dedicated reentry hotline provides ongoing guidance, resource referrals, and continuous support in the critical period after release, helping participants move toward stable, secure, and healthy futures.