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The Mission & Outreach Committee thought it important to include the Welcome Home Initiative in the Alternative Gift options this year. We are grateful for the ongoing work of Nassau’s Mass Incarceration Task Force and their connections that help us support neighbors in need as they reenter society.

Donations can be made through Nassau’s Alternative Gifts program by selecting the “Welcome Home” fund here.

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Below is a letter introducing the Welcome Home Initiative from the New Jersey Prison Justice Watch.

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Dear friends,

Those of us belonging to a faith community, regardless of our denomination, are often deeply involved in justice ministries.  And in this tradition of seeking justice in the world, we are hopeful that you can support this important Welcome Home Initiative.

This initiative is being organized by the Re-Entry committee of NJ Prison Justice Watch (formerly known as NJ-CAIC). NJ-PJW is a coalition of social justice organizations, faith groups, and importantly, people with lived experience within the criminal justice system, all working together to transform how we “do justice” in our state.

Right now, NJ-PJW is working to build a responsive Welcome Home Initiative. As a result of the Public Health Emergency Credit legislation, which provides credits against time remaining on certain sentences due to the risks of CoVid in our prisons, we are anticipating up to 2,000 men and women will be released in early November, with rolling releases so long as there is a public health emergency declaration in place.

All too often, people are released with little more than a bus ticket, but lacking basic access to food, clothes, phones, toiletries, and even shelter. Needs may vary and range from needing basic clothing, to store gift cards for purchasing toiletries and other essentials, to needing rides to medical and employment appointments.

Everyone can make a difference —  Can you help? 

If you would like to donate money, our partner, American Reentry Initiative (Tax-ID: 84-1792638), is accepting them through this secure PayPal Link. Alternatively, you can mail a check to the American Reentry Initiative at P.O. Box 248, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, attention: Briane Peters, include “Welcome Home” in the memo line.

We are also seeking “In-Kind” (toiletries, food, clothes/shoes, masks) and “Time” (phone banking, peer support, transportation) donations. Please fill out the Welcome Home Donation Google Form and we will be in touch.

THANK YOU! Your generosity is so appreciated!  Please feel free to contact Susan MacDonnell,  member of NJ-PJW’s Reentry Committee with any questions.