By Theo Harris, Outreach Coordinator,
Reentry Family and Faith Circles of Support
theo@interfaithcenter.org
212-870-3515
As The Interfaith Center of New York’s Outreach Coordinator for reentry in Harlem, my job is to recruit church, mosque, and community volunteers for the rewarding work of helping men and women make the difficult transition from prison to community. This is not a role that should be taken lightly, or viewed as simply a Good Samaritan gesture. The service that a reentry volunteer provides is that of a welcoming presence to our returning citizens, who are usually made to pay for their offenses many times over, and long after they have served their prison sentences. That being said, the last thing they need is to come back to a community that basically ostracizes them, or labels them as ex-cons, ex-felons, ex-offenders, or even formerly incarcerated. It is bad enough that this information is asked for on job applications, or pre-employment interviews; it certainly does not need to be made available whe n introductions are made. And, if it is revealed, it should be up to him or her to do so. That history is nothing to be ashamed of – to the contrary – it can be a powerful testimony if delivered at the right time, and in the right place. Which leads me to talk about the new training and leadership initiative, Raising My Voice, which has been developed by the Harlem Community Justice Center in collaboration with The Interfaith Center of New York, Network Support Services, and the Reentry Family and Family Circles of Support.
As stated in materials prepared by the Harlem Community Justice Center, “this initiative will offer individuals who have returned from prison and transformed their lives the opportunity to share their personal narrative. Graduates from this program, as well as the communities to which they are returning, will benefit from these speaking opportunities by (1) inspiring communities to mobilize around effective reentry policies and practices; (2) give back to communities they have harmed by deterring others from walking in their shoes; and (3) develop critical work and leadership skills. Training will consist of 22 hours of intensive public speaking techniques utilizing 11 sessions, at the end of which graduates will present to faith groups, community organizations, students, and non-traditional audiences such as employers, prosecutors, and law enforcement.”
As a returning citizen myself, I have often spoken about the difficult transition from prison to community, and how important my family’s involvement was in terms of making me feel welcome. Had it not been for their constant encouragement and support I would have more than likely succumbed to the pressure of “life” hitting me in the face, and who knows where that would have led. Being able to articulate my feelings, and tell my story has also been an advantage in terms of a successful transition. So, to our returning citizens, I would like to say: WELCOME BACK; to the Raising My Voice trainees I would like to say: use your PAST as your TESTIMONY; and to our wonderful cadre of Volunteers, on behalf of our returning citizens, ICNY, HCJC, and NETWORK, I would like to say THANK YOU!
