Giving back to our communities…
Our alumni are leading important roles in their communities. Here are some of their stories:
“I think about my time in Rising Hope all the time. I never believed I was college material. Then one day, one of the older guys sat me down and pleaded with me to give it a shot. I was sentenced to twenty-four years when I was 16 years old. I thought my life was over, and I had never even finished high school. Now I am the President of the largest in-prison degree granting college program in New York. Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison is the only program in the country that is coordinated by formerly incarcerated people. We are proud that 70% of the staff are formerly incarcerated. I often reflect on my path to this position. I think about my time in Rising Hope and how that year of sitting in classes every day, the professors, and the amazing cohort of students really changed the direction of my life. I am forever indebted to the program and all it has done for me.”
– Sean Pica
“I’m doing well at work. I’m a construction Ironworker in the city.”
– Bishop
“At Woodbourne, I was an instructor and teaching assistant for Rising Hope. I also served as Inside Coordinator. At RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts), I am currently the Director of Operations. I assist with coordinating the distance learning we are providing to our participants during COVID. I also keep in contact with all our alumni and run the camera at my church for live stream.”
– Charles Moore
“I am a NYC Electrician with a career that spans 40 years (due to an early start). Right now I maintain and build boiler controls. This picture of my son and I working in a 70 story power room. Also, this is how summer leisure time is spent fishing. My cousin and I rehabilitated this boat in the beginning of COVID-19.”
– Hunter
“I am forever grateful to the Rising Hope family that gave me HOPE and helped me RISE above water when I was sinking deep into misery. I work in Brooklyn, I am really a porter but I am working toward becoming a real super. I try to learn and carry out my responsibilities but I occasionally get help from people who are just being kind to me. I do alot of cleaning and throwing out the garbage for buildings that are really beautiful. I had to find work because I needed to pay my rent and contribute to the household. I am grateful for this opportunity. I am not perfect, but I know I only want what’s best for family, friends and even strangers. This is something I never had in my heart. I feel God is really good for helping me gradually change.”
– Patrick Griffen
“I’m working on a clothing line which is called “CONTRABAND.” I am also working on a Comic book called “POP OFF” about me and a child hood friend telling stories. These stories cover from the womb to prison, while in prison, when you get released and while home. I’m also working on a one man show starring me as a man using a metro card for the first time heading to parole. I’m involved in a Shakespeare project as well.”
– Ali Kelley
“I have been working at Usecology, a hazard company for over two years making over 60k yearly and still taking classes at NYU online.”
– Louis Myles
“I have been employed with Center for Court Innovation since 2016. My title there is Job developer and group leader. I was also general manager of NYC barbershop museum for 2 years. On the news a lot. I help launch it. I am also enrolled in CUNY studying community organization and Leadership.”
– Rasheed Hart
“I am a member of Local 79 is a mason tender, working with brick layers at the Red Hook projects. I have previously worked on high rise buildings in Manhattan.”
– George King (“Mr. K”)
JC became manager of a CVS Pharmacy after his release.
– Juan Carlos
“I’m going to a church in Mt. Vernon, NY. I m studying theology with my pastor to become a prison minister”
– Jibaro
“I have a title of Industrial Hygienist. Inspector and monitor of Hazardous materials, such as Asbestos, Lead, etc.”
– Mr. C
“The program I’m employed by is the Osborne Association. I’ve been with Osborne 6 years and working in several capacities. Currently I work as a Care Manager and assist the elderly population 50 years and older with transitioning from prison to the community. My work specifically involves facilitating groups, counseling, case management, employment, housing just to name a few. Other than that I also stay busy with trying to be the best Dad I can for my 7 year old daughter who is attending remote school during the day. Luckily I too work remotely as a result of COVID.”
– Tamir
Robert is a research assistant at the Center for Justice at Columbia University, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in education. He speaks at social justice events, helps develop programs for justice-impacted people, mentors undergraduates, and contributes to articles examining the effects of trauma and punitive practices on urban communities.
Read some of his writings: Robert K. Wright | The Marshall Project
– Robert K. Wright
“When I left prison I lived for awhile with my pastor. I worked in the hospital with terminally ill children. I had a child die in my arms and felt God was calling me to serve Him. I have been a Christian, then became Muslim and have returned now to Christianity. I am a student at Drew Theological Seminary where I have completed three years with one year remaining. I plan to become a United Methodist pastor.”
– Mr. B
“I sell batteries, tires, and some mechanical work, door dash part time as well, also trying to register for HVAC…”
– J.S.