Queensboro Resource Fair Helps Inmates Prepare for Release

This past Friday, The Upper Manhattan Reentry Task Force, in collaboration with Brooklyn's ComALERT and Queensboro Correctional Facility hosted a Resource Fair for the over 400 inmates incarcerated at Queensboro preparing for their upcoming release. Over 25 reentry focused, community-based providers spread throughout the prison's Gymnasium to offer information, advice, and words of encouragement to releasees. One provider noted that, "I think Resource Fairs like these are important to let incarcerated folks know that there are supports in the community when they are released and that we are thinking of them  even when they feel like they have been abandoned by the world." Another provider commented that,"If an incarcerated individual meets a provider prior to their release, they are more likely to follow up and come in to take advantage of our services post-release.  It adds that human component."  The Task Force thanks all of our member and partners for making the Resource Fair a success.

In our ongoing efforts to facilitate the transition from prison back into the community, The Task Force is updating our Coming Home Guide and will be doing a mailing to all state prisons' Transitional Services Departments in the New Year.  If you are a Manhattan service provider and are not in the guide or wish to provide updated information, please email Anisah Thompson at athompson@courts.state.ny.us.