Osborne's Recent Highlights

June

• Forty fathers and father figures at Green Haven Correctional Facility walked across the stage this month for a meaningful milestone, the facility’s first Osborne FamilyWorks graduation. The ceremony celebrated men from the past four program cycles, who completed our 12-week parenting program, learning everything from child development to practical skills for staying connected with their kids during incarceration. The graduation brought together families who had traveled from across the state to witness this milestone. Graduates shared reflections on what they’d learned, and several spoke about concrete changes they’d already made in how they communicate with their children, as graduate Jonathan Brown shared, “I learned a lot from this course. The growth and development me and my son went through was due to the FamilyWorks program.” Thank you to our Green Haven clerks, Michael (MJ) Mitchell, who served as MC, Cesar Velez, and Joshua Valasquez, for their tremendous support, and special thanks to Osborne Family Services Specialist Stephanie Mortimer for her leadership in cultivating Osborne’s relationship with Green Haven and helping make this celebration possible.
   
• Families, fun, and fellowship filled Prospect Park as Osborne’s Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) brought together participants from our Rec and Women with a Plan programs for the annual CYFS picnic this month. From face painting and double dutch to volleyball battles and fitness dancing, the day buzzed with energy—and a magic show that had kids (and adults!) completely captivated. This year’s gathering held special meaning as Osborne dedicated a bench to honor Elaine M. Connelly, a beloved volunteer whose warmth and dedication touched every corner of CYFS and who passed away last November. Whether she was supporting after-school programs, organizing holiday celebrations, assisting young people with their college essays, or joining families on prison visits and advocacy trips, Elaine embodied the spirit of care that defines our work. Her family joined us as we unveiled this lasting tribute to her legacy. In this photo essay, we share moments from the day and celebrate the power of CYFS to build community and connection among families and youth with incarcerated loved ones.
   
• Osborne’s Janitorial Maintenance Services (JMS) program recently earned Green Seal certification in recognition of its environmentally responsible cleaning practices. The achievement opens doors to municipal contracts and environmentally-conscious buildings, potentially expanding JMS’s reach across the city. JMS provides people with justice involvement and disabilities a path toward a more secure future through meaningful employment and career-building opportunities. This milestone reinforces how workforce programs like JMS can promote both sustainable practices and pathways to quality employment. Know someone who could use JMS services? [Reach out to Nelson Torres, Program Director, Operations.]
   

May

• One year ago this month, Osborne welcomed the first residents to Fulton Community Reentry Center, a first-of-its-kind transitional housing program in the Bronx for men returning from incarceration. Today, Fulton is a thriving community that offers a safe and stable home to 140 residents, who receive support to pursue their goals for employment and independent living. Located in a transformed former prison, Fulton is a place of care, connection, and opportunity. This month, we celebrate Fulton’s success by hearing from a few of the 36 residents so far who’ve taken the next big step: moving into homes of their own. Bobby Jackson, 51, wants to work with disconnected teenagers while Edgar Perez, 57, is completing an apprenticeship to become a handyman. Paul Rodriguez, 58, is focused on building his relationship with his adult son, and Francisco Salinas, 65, has plans to become a drug counselor. These men experienced a combined near century of incarceration. They generously shared their stories for this photo essay.

April

• Osborne took center stage at this year’s National Children of Incarcerated Parents Conference, delivering the plenary presentation at this annual awareness-raising and capacity-building event from Arizona State University. Jamila Small, our 2024 See Us, Support Us Youth Fellow, and Allison Hollihan, Director of Osborne’s NY Initiative for Children of Incarcerated Parents, joined colleagues from Project WHAT! in Oakland, California, to share strategies for promoting youth engagement, sharing power with youth, and adopting successful campaign tactics as we mark the 20th anniversary Children of Incarcerated Parents’ Bill of Rights. The conference brings together those with lived experience, advocates, researchers, policy makers, and a broad range of community professionals who work with children and families affected by incarceration.
   
• A group of children and caregivers enthusiastically roamed the galleries of the Brooklyn Museum on a recent Saturday morning. Later, they completed a craft project, ate lunch together in a private room, and received gift bags with t-shirts, artist kits, and family passes for future visits. It was all part of Osborne’s Brooklyn-based Recreation for Children of Incarcerated Parents and their Families program, or Rec, which offers children and caregivers with incarcerated loved ones afterschool activities and outings that build community in ways that can help children cope with the absence of a loved one. Read more in this photo essay.
   
• On Thursday, May 1, we helped cut the ribbon at the opening of The Rise, an integrated affordable and supportive housing residence in Brownsville, Brooklyn, where Osborne will provide direct services to justice-impacted families in partnership with Women’s Prison Association. The seven-story building offers studios and 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, and includes a community facility with a rooftop farm and garden for resident and community use, with programming focused on health, wellness, and empowerment to come. We are thrilled to add this project to our growing housing portfolio.