April 2023 Newsletter
The month of April is recognized as Second Chances Month across our country. And while I have personally benefitted from second chances, I believe people deserve and may need more than just a second chance, especially when many have not even been given a first. In the United States, there are over 2 million people behind the walls of our jails and prisons and well over 70 million people with a criminal history that face the associated barriers. Many confronted poverty, addiction, behavioral health issues or were raised in settings with unimaginable challenges that impacted their pathway to the criminal legal system. This overwhelming majority likely never really had a “first chance.”
I also wonder why we limit our focus on the power of second chances to only one month out of the year. To change the way we support, educate, and guide those coming home from our prisons and jails, we should be committed everyday to giving people a new shot to move forward with life and use the lessons from their past to make a new tomorrow. But, we know we’re failing those looking for that fresh start when they return home – over two-thirds of people who have been incarcerated will find themselves back behind the walls of our correctional facilities within three years of their release. We know that many in our carceral settings have far more than one encounter with our criminal legal system, so the notion of limiting our attention to a “second chance” does not appropriately consider the reality that a third, fourth or fifth chance may be what they need.
I am humbled to lead an organization that grants everyone, irrespective of age, color, length of incarceration, religion, gender, education, or any other conceivable demographic, the opportunity to succeed. We make it happen through the passion and commitment of our tutors, students, and staff who help make this world a far better place for all.
Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO, The Petey Greene Program
Reflecting on our 2023 Spring Justice Education Series
Our Spring 2023 Justice Education Series has come to an end! Thank you to all of the panelists for sharing your knowledge, passion, and experiences, and to all who attended these meaningful conversations and learned alongside us. If you missed any of the webinars, they are all available to view on our YouTube. We are already looking forward to the Fall Justice Education Series!
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 our Washington D.C. and Philadelphia regional offices! We are looking for a Division Manager and Volunteer Coordinator in DC and a Volunteer Coordinator in Philadelphia who are interested in supporting the educational journeys of currently and formerly incarcerated people. Please consider applying today or sharing these opportunities with someone who might be interested.
Feature on the Petey Greene Program in the GW Hatchet
Our student organization at George Washington University was highlighted this week in their newspaper! We are grateful for all of our campus organizations and student volunteer tutors! Learn more about the program at GW and their impact so far.
Student Spotlight: Angel, SCI Chester
Angel is one of the students at State Correctional Institution (SCI) - Chester that works with Petey Greene Program volunteer tutors.
Volunteer Spotlight: Erin, College Bridge Instructor
Erin Tatz is a College Bridge Instructor with the PGP in Massachusetts and is currently pursuing her PhD in Political Science with a focus on race in the carceral system at Boston University. Both her field of study and her personal experience watching her brother's experience with incarceration motivated her to get involved with the Petey Greene Program: "The conditions of confinement were particularly detrimental to [my brother] so the PGP seemed like a natural fit for me because it is trying to address those conditions as far as lack of resources, lack of educational access and lack of opportunities for personal empowerment." Teaching incarcerated students has impacted her approach to teaching undergraduate students at Boston University as well. "This has shown me in a very pronounced way that tapping into authenticity and encouraging more dialogue and discussion makes students better writers. I want to be part of the process of engaging with other people and showing these students how incredible it is to learn, how capable they are and how they can feel empowered in that way."
Staff Spotlight: Welcome to the Team, Darnell!
Darnell Burtin joined the Petey Greene Program in March as our Executive Director of Business Development and Philanthropy. Darnell's responsibilities include oversight and management for the organization's development strategy. Darnell began his career as an engineer and moved into the philanthropy space in 2002. He has been part of capital campaigns and leadership teams that have raised a sum of more than $3 billion dollars at universities and other nonprofit organizations. Darnell finds purpose in giving back to the community through speaking, volunteering and moderating conversations on the meanings of equaity and equality. He is a husband, father to three children, coach and entrepreneur. We are so glad to have you on board, Darnell!
Photo of the Month!
We are thrilled that we have placed nearly 30 volunteer tutors this semester at State Correctional Institution Chester! Our volunteer tutors have joined PGP Philadelphia from Swarthmore College, Haverford College, and the broader Philly community. We are so grateful for all you do to support the academic goals of currently incarcerated learners!
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.