March 2023

Supporting Families to Receive Reentering Loved Ones

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A New York Times Big City column focuses on our Marcus Garvey Supportive Housing program, its residents, and the crisis of aging in prison. Read more.

Many families yearn to provide a home for their loved ones after years of painful separation due to incarceration. To address financial, emotional, and other factors in this decision, Osborne and funder Trinity Wall Street are piloting Kinship Reentry, a unique program launched in July 2021. It is already proving that with modest resources and tailored support, the people most invested in an individual’s reentry success – their families – can be a stabilizing source of support and safe housing when it matters most.

Kinship Reentry provides up to one year of financial and social support to a head of household with a loved one returning home. In contrast to reentry programs serving only the person being released, Kinship supports both the family and the loved one being housed. Research has long demonstrated that a strong support network and stable housing are among the most predictive factors of a person’s successful reentry. Osborne staff are now partnering with 100 families, adapting to the needs of each one. Some get connected with therapy; others need assistance applying for public benefits, finding a local food pantry, or using Access-A-Ride. Ensuring that housing is safe and affordable is a focus for all, whether that means staff stepping in to negotiate a new lease or advocating with a landlord to bring a building up to code.

Stable housing is crucial to breaking cycles of incarceration. At a time of ever-higher rents and inadequate public options, families often provide the best solution for housing. Kinship Reentry makes use of existing housing, rather than requiring that new housing be built or expanding the shelter system. Addressing the underlying challenges that may discourage them from offering space to relatives coming home, and the returning loved one from asking for help, are a focus of this promising and affordable model.

Osborne’s Dorian Bess (left) and Atla Parker (right) with Jorge Ayala and Valerie Donaldson.

“Communication is the wedge,” says Program Coordinator Simone Bowman. “When I don’t have the resources to contribute, how do I say, ‘Can I stay with you?’”

Valerie Donaldson prepared in many ways to welcome her son home, including through financial literacy training that shed light on credit scores and savings strategies. When Jorge Ayala’s son first came home, he insisted on wearing shower slippers against Mr. Ayala’s wishes, causing tension. But during a home visit, staff explained this was a common practice in prison to avoid infection, helping resolve the conflict by revealing its emotional roots.

Today, Ms. Donaldson’s son lives with his girlfriend nearby, and visits often. Mr. Ayala’s son is pursuing a career as a social worker. These and other successes suggest that far more effective and less expensive interventions are possible by tapping the strengths of families and supporting reunification.

Ms. Donaldson says it best: “After incarceration, to be able to see your child’s face every morning and see him come home every night – it’s a blessing.”

Valerie Donaldson welcomed her son home with support from Kinship Reentry.

News & Events

Osborne’s Children, Youth, and Family Services (CYFS) Women With a Plan, a support program for formerly incarcerated women, hosted its annual virtual Empowerment Event. Guest speaker Dr. Topeka K. Sam recounted her experiences with incarceration and stories of resilience in a thoughtful discussion about self-worth.

Osborne is pleased to welcome Maggie Wolk to the board of directors. Maggie is a partner at Bennett Midland, a management consulting firm that works exclusively in the civic center. She has broad experience advancing large-scale systems change in city government and nonprofits, with a special emphasis on criminal justice. She previously managed initiatives at the New York City Department of Correction, Vera, and the Center for Justice Innovation.

Last week, Tanya Krupat, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, and Wendell Walters, Manager of Policy & Advocacy, submitted testimony at the New York City Council Criminal Justice Committee Budget Hearing. In it, they call for closing Rikers, greater efforts to decarcerate, improving conditions inside by fully restoring visiting and upholding current policy that allows detained individuals to receive mail and packages from loved ones, and investing in programs that promote transformation and successful reentry. Read the testimony.

Join us in our work to build a justice system that promotes healing, safety, accountability, and real opportunities to thrive.

Archana Jayaram
President & CEO

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