June 2023 Newsletter
Recently, I had the pleasure of witnessing the power of education at State Correctional Institution Chester. I watched as a classroom filled with incarcerated students who were hyper-focused on the books in front of them. Our Petey Greene Program volunteer tutors methodically navigated the room to give academic support on demand. I left the facility proud of our team and profoundly touched by the humanity displayed by our volunteer tutors as they helped others gain something they are rightfully owed: an education.
As I reflected on my visit to SCI Chester, I was overwhelmed by the realization that this was just one of the many active programs the Petey Greene Program has across the country on any given day. I also thought about how our program is so much more than seeing education change lives; we are witnessing a program changing culture. Our volunteer experience helps people who are perhaps otherwise unaffected by the carceral system better understand the challenges currently and formerly incarcerated people face.
I left SCI Chester that day filled with pride and know that it was just a small look into the magic that is created by PGP staff, volunteers, and students each day.
Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO, The Petey Greene Program
Last Chance to Donate in Honor of Our Graduating Volunteers!
All month long, we have been highlighting members of the Petey Greene Program community who are achieving academic milestones and celebrating graduations. We are so grateful for their commitment and proud of how they have supported the educational goals of currently and formerly incarcerated people!
We invite you to read the stories of some of our graduating volunteers and ask that you consider donating to recognize our great graduates. Your gift will continue to open doors, inspire change, and offer new beginnings.
Join the Petey Greene Program Team!
Do you want to advance educational justice every day and increase your involvement with the PGP? We are hiring to fill positions in Philadelphia and New York City with candidates who are interested in supporting the educational journeys of currently and formerly incarcerated people! We are looking for a Volunteer Coordinator in Philadelphia and two Volunteer Coordinators in New York City. The deadline to apply is TOMORROW, 6/30! Please apply today or share these opportunities with someone who might be interested.
Celebrating Pride Month with Recommended Reading
As Pride Month comes to an end, we continue to encourage you to learn more about how the criminal legal system impacts the LGBTQIA+ community in different and disparate ways. People who identify as LGBTQIA+ are disproportionately incarcerated, but discussions of why they are overrepresented in correctional facilities, criminalization of this community, their pathways to incarceration, and the violence they can experience while inside are not frequently explored. The PGP team has compiled a list of books, reports, articles, and additional resources to guide your learning on this topic.
Honoring Juneteenth and Reflections from Our Staff
Earlier this month, we joined the country's celebration and recognition of Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a tribute to June 19th, 1865, when the last enslaved people learned of their freedom in Texas. It has evolved into a day of reflecting on and celebrating Black history and culture, while still recognizing the progress we have yet to make. The Petey Greene Program observes Juneteenth today, but acknowledges daily how race still plays a significant role into our carceral system and the work we do to support educational access for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.
FLASHBACK: Watch "From Prison to Princeton: Advocating for Systemic Change" Now!
Last month at Princeton University Reunions, we hosted a panel discussion titled "From Prison to Princeton: Advocating for Systemic Change." Yusuf Dahl, Udi Ofer and Jeffrey Abramowitz came together for a conversation on the power of education, the barriers facing returning citizens, and the future of the Petey Greene Program. Watch now!
Volunteer Spotlight: Danielle, Tutor at Howard University
Danielle Andrews is a recent graduate of Howard University where she served as a Petey Greene Program volunteer for four semesters, beginning her junior year. She served on the Executive Board of the on-campus organization in two capacities: as Secretary her junior year and as President during her senior year. She served on the Executive Board of the on-campus organization in two capacities: as Secretary her junior year and as President during her senior year. Through her time with the PGP, Danielle has personally found herself more committed to pursuing a career in social and educational justice after graduation. “Honestly, I wasn’t really thinking about post-grad when I started… but through tutoring with the Petey Greene Program…, I learned about the educational disparities and the disciplinary disparities which I feel contribute to Black and Brown people going to prison…I do feel that education plays a large role in people becoming incarcerated and people’s opportunities post incarceration.” Danielle's next step is pursuing a Master's Degree in Social Work this fall. We can't wait to see what you do next!
Staff Spotlight: Welcome to the Team, Raymond!
Raymond Rodriguez joined the Petey Greene Program this week as our new Division Manager in Washington D.C. Ray is a dedicated professional with 10+ years of specialized experience working with at-risk populations. His focus over recent years has been juvenile and prison reform and education reform in correctional settings. He is eager to gain state-level experience at shaping systems and policies, contribute to existing initiatives, and help design new programs. Ray holds an associate's degree in General Studies from Howard Community College, a bachelor's degree in Public Health from the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing his master's degree in Public Policy and Administration, from which he will graduate in December 2023. Welcome, Ray! We are so excited to have you on board.
Photo of the Month!
Earlier this month, we were awarded the generous PLUS Mid-Atlantic Ally Grant, thanks to a nomination from one of our awesome advisory board members, Jennifer Ward. The Ally Grant's mission is to provide education or services to populations that may face obstacles or require support to secure a job or advance in the workforce. Thank you, Jennifer, for your long-standing support of our programming in Philadelphia!
Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, we continue to support the educational journeys of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people by providing the high-quality, individualized tutoring and academic support that every learner needs to achieve their educational goals. Please donate today.