Where is the Fortune Society located?

New York City
Fortune serves approximately 3,000 men and women annually via three primary New York City-area locations: our service center in Long Island City, and both the Fortune Academy (a.k.a. “the Castle”) and Castle Gardens in West Harlem.

What does the Fortune Society do?

The Fortune Society’s mission is to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities.

Is the Fortune Society a non profit?

Since 1967, when it was founded by the activist and Broadway producer David Rothenberg, a nonprofit called the Fortune Society has worked to break the cycle of recidivism in New York City.

How long has the Fortune Society been around?

1969
Our Education program was founded in 1969 after Fortune participants asked for support in improving their literacy. Volunteer Melanie Johnson, a retired schoolteacher, was the first to give one-on-one tutoring sessions in vocabulary and grammar.

How can I help former prisoners?

Begin by opening lines of communication through letters, telephone calls, and visits. Communities of support can sustain ex- prisoners during their transition. Faith communities can serve this role well. Encourage mentors and family members to help ex-offenders gain the trust of their faith community.

Who founded the Fortune Society?

David Rothenberg
The University of Denver Division of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences has honored David Rothenberg, founder of The Fortune Society, with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a criminal justice advocate over the past 50 years.

Why do most prisoners go back to jail?

One of the main reasons why they find themselves back in jail is because it is difficult for the individual to fit back in with ‘normal’ life. Many prisoners report being anxious about their release; they are excited about how their life will be different “this time” which does not always end up being the case.

Can jail change a person for the better?

What is the psychological impact of prison? Prison changes people by altering their spatial, temporal, and bodily dimensions; weakening their emotional life; and undermining their identity.

Does jail change a man?

Prison, like every other major life experience, has the capacity to change a person in a variety of ways. If a person becomes incarcerated at a time in their lives when they realize that change is necessary and they are ready to make those changes, prison can be an opportunity for growth unlike any other.”

What problems do ex convicts face?

Unfortunately, most ex- prisoners are unable to make a successful transition and they eventually return to prison. Offenders face many obstacles when they leave prison. Some of these they may have confronted before prison, such as unemployment, substance abuse, low self-esteem, anti-social relationships, and so forth.

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Where is the Fortune Society in Long Island City?

There are two entrances with the “29-76” address on it. Ours is the one at the far end of the building. You will see a blue and white sign on the building that says “The Fortune Society.” No walk-ins accepted at this location. Please call or visit our main office in Long Island City. No walk-ins accepted at this location.

How does the Fortune Society help the community?

Participants take first steps on their journeys toward becoming self-sufficient members of the community, with the full support of our comprehensive reentry service offerings and culturally competent staff. Our housing programs have been operating throughout COVID-19.

Who are the staff at the Fortune Society?

Our dedicated, diverse, and culturally competent staff works tirelessly to meet the needs of our participants and help them find success. Most importantly, 50% of our staff are formerly incarcerated and understand the struggles to reentry. Their empathy and guidance inspire our participants to follow in their footsteps and rebuild their own lives.

When did the Fortune Society open in Harlem?

In April of 2002, after six years of strategic planning and development, we opened the doors to the Fortune Academy, a residential housing facility located in West Harlem.