Event: Our Community, Our Future: Advancing Parole Justice & Reentry Support

Location

Dowstairs

Bottomliner

Dawn

When

• Sat 9/20/2025, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Hosted by: Release Aging People in Prison Campaign & Center for Employment Opportunities

Rochester, NY — The Rochester City Council has officially passed a Reentry Assistance Resolution, signaling strong support for statewide legislation that would provide vital financial assistance to individuals returning home from incarceration.

The resolution was authored by Councilmember-at-Large Stanley Martin and co-signed by Councilmembers Mary Lupien, Kim Smith, Willie J. Lightfoot, and Miguel Meléndez Jr. Their leadership ensures Rochester’s voice is heard in Albany as New York considers bold reforms to improve reentry outcomes for justice-impacted families.

This local action reflects a growing statewide movement to prioritize dignity, opportunity, and stability for people reentering society after incarceration.
“This is about making sure our community members, especially those who’ve been directly impacted by incarceration are supported and not discarded,” said Councilmember Stanley Martin. “I’m proud to stand with advocates to advance these resolutions and reimagine what reentry and justice can look like in Rochester.”

The Reentry Assistance Bill, sponsored by Rochester-based State Jeremy Cooney, would guarantee six months of transition assistance for every person leaving state custody, improving current processes that offer almost no support.