What's happening
This resolution commends The Fortune Society for its 50 years of supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for criminal justice reform.
Why it matters
Highlights the importance of culturally informed support. The resolution recognizes that The Fortune Society’s programs are developed and delivered by staff with relevant life experiences and cultural backgrounds, which can lead to more effective reentry support for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Underscores the value of advocacy rooted in lived experience. By noting the founding and work of the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy, the resolution emphasizes how policy change and criminal justice reform are strengthened when shaped by those with first-hand system involvement.
Acknowledges national and international influence. It points out that The Fortune Society’s program models are recognized beyond New York, suggesting that their work serves as a blueprint for reentry services and justice reform broadly.
Reinforces a shift toward rehabilitation, not just punishment. By commending The Fortune Society’s mission to create a more humane and rehabilitative correctional system, the resolution signals growing legislative and public support for alternatives to punitive approaches.
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Honor Fortune Society's 50th
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Adopted
- Reported to calendar for consideration
- Referred to finance
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
Senate Resolution No. 639 BY: Senator COMRIE COMMENDING The Fortune Society upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on April 17,
2017 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud… Show allHide
2017 WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to recognize and acknowledge those organizations within our midst who have made significant contributions to the quality of life therein; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend The Fortune Society upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary at its Spring event on Monday, April 17, 2017, at The City Winery, in New York, New York; and WHEREAS, In addition, Neil Barsky, Founder and Chairman of The Marhsall Project, and Richard Feldman, President of the SHS Foundation, will be recognized for their steadfast and unremitting commitment to their communities; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1967, The Fortune Society's strives to foster a world where all who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated will thrive as positive, contributing members of society; and WHEREAS, This vital organization's continuum of care, informed and implemented by professionals with cultural backgrounds and life experiences similar to those of their clients, helps ensure their success; and WHEREAS, Today, The Fortune Society serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually via three New York City locations: their service center in Long Island City, Queens, and both the Fortune Academy ("the Castle") and Castle Gardens in West Harlem; their program models are recognized, nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation; and WHEREAS, In 2007, The Fortune Society launched the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy (DRCPP) in honor of The Fortune Society's founder, a tireless advocate for the rights and fair treatment of people with criminal records; and WHEREAS, While The Fortune Society has always engaged in advocacy and community education, DRCPP resourced and ramped up The Fortune Society's policy development, advocacy, technical assistance, training, and community education efforts; and WHEREAS, DRCPP leverages The Fortune Society's internal expertise, including the life experience of their formerly incarcerated staff and clients and their first-hand experiences as a direct reentry service provider, to advocate for a fairer criminal justice system, promote effective program models and needed supports for people with criminal justice histories, and change the counterproductive laws and policies that create barriers to successful community reentry following involvement in the criminal justice system; and WHEREAS, For 50 years, The Fortune Society has helped build people's lives by changing minds through education and advocacy to promote the creation of a fair, humane and truly rehabilitative correctional system; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organizations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend The Fortune Society upon the occasion of celebrating its 50th Anniversary on April 17, 2017; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Fortune Society.
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