News
August Highlights
Highlights of our staff and program accomplishments throughout August.
- The lasting power of Osborne’s programs for young adults was on vivid display last week as a group of young men in our NeON Works program gathered at the conclusion of a six-day Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) training. Sitting in a circle to reflect with them was Osborne’s Theodore “T” Haywood, who was part of the so-called think tank at Green Haven Correctional Facility that conceived of AVP 50 years ago this year. Leading the discussion was Jamal, a BOGAP graduate who has completed advanced AVP training and is now a paid facilitator and whose grandfather was also a think tank member alongside T. As one graduate reflected, “When I thought it was over, y’all showed me it wasn’t. Now I’m looking for forever goals.” Read our photo essay of the group here.
- Nearly 50 family members joined their loved ones in the gymnasium at the Rose M. Singer Center at Rikers last week for a Family Day organized by staff from Osborne and Hour Children who provide specialized services and visiting support for incarcerated mothers. Staff set up games and a popcorn and cotton candy station, while correction officers assisted them in serving a catered meal. All families received back-to-school supplies for their school-aged kids. Families sat at tables together talking, laughing, and embracing all afternoon. “We don’t see each other that much,” said one mother gazing at her four-year-old as they waited their turn for face painting. “But we have today, right?”
- Our first supportive housing program in Newburgh reached a milestone with last week’s closing on a 5-unit building we will redevelop. To expand our reentry housing portfolio beyond New York City, Osborne will soon offer permanent supportive housing for men after long-term incarceration in Newburgh’s Washington Heights neighborhood. We estimate that we will complete the project by the end of 2026.