Fortune Society's RIDE Program Facilitates Reentry into Society

1. FORTUNE SOCIETY'S RIDE
PROGRAM FACILITATES
REENTRY INTO SOCIETY
By Llewellyn Connolly

2. FORTUNE SOCIETY'S RIDE PROGRAM
FACILITATES REENTRY INTO SOCIETY
A volunteer with the Fortune Society, Llewellyn Connolly teaches
math to formerly imprisoned individuals in an effort to prepare them
for GED examinations. Working with the organization since 2011,
Llewellyn Connolly was recently recognized as the best Fortune
Society volunteer.

3. FORTUNE SOCIETY'S RIDE PROGRAM
FACILITATES REENTRY INTO SOCIETY
The Fortune Society is a New York-based organization devoted to
providing incarcerated citizens, current and former, with
educational, employment, and housing services that help them
reenter society. In addition , the nonprofit offers counseling
programs to individuals with mental health and substance abuse
challenges. Serving more than 3,000 individuals every year, in 2013
the organization helped 338 clients obtain gainful employment, 254
find public housing, and 23 earn GEDs. The Fortune Society’s work
impacts taxpayers as well, saving them $8 million since its inception.

4. FORTUNE SOCIETY'S RIDE PROGRAM
FACILITATES REENTRY INTO SOCIETY
Among its services is the Rikers Island Discharge Enhancement
(RIDE) program, which engages incarcerated individuals prior to
their release as well as for 90 days afterward. A collaborative effort
between the Fortune Society and Rikers Island, the largest
correctional complex in New York City, RIDE assists individuals with
applying or reapplying for government benefits in order to expedite
the turnaround time of applications. In addition, all incarcerated
members of the program receive case managers who are
responsible for guiding and supporting them throughout their return
to society .