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ABC7 New York shines a spotlight on New Hour and its mission to empower justice-impacted women, mothers, and children. The feature highlights the importance of providing women with the resources, guidance, and support they need to rebuild their lives after incarceration. Through its programs, advocacy, and community partnerships, New Hour works to break down barriers, strengthen families, and create opportunities for lasting change.

Hear the full conversation with Rob DeLeon and Dr. Serena Martin.

What does it take to build a more just and supportive system for people returning home?

In the latest episode of New Hour’s Empower Hour, Executive Director Dr. Serena Martin sits down with President and CEO Rob DeLeon, for a powerful conversation about reentry, advocacy, leadership, and the future of criminal justice reform in New York. Mr. DeLeon brings more than two decades of experience working with people involved in the criminal legal system. He also brings lived experience of incarceration, before building a career in advocacy and reentry services.

One of the central themes of the conversation is the importance of seeing people beyond their involvement with the criminal legal system. As Rob puts it, “We believe in people first.” He emphasizes that Fortune Society’s doors are open to anyone who has experienced the system and that people should not be defined by their past. The conversation also highlights the incredible talent and potential of people with lived experience. Rob describes people who have experienced the system as an “untapped pool of genius and of talent.”

This Newsday video highlights the importance of volunteering with New Hour and supporting justice-impacted women, mothers, and children. It showcases how community members can make a meaningful difference by giving their time, sharing their skills, and helping provide resources and opportunities for women rebuilding their lives after incarceration. Through the support of volunteers and community partners, New Hour continues to strengthen families and create lasting change.

This Newsday feature highlights New Hour’s work supporting women impacted by the criminal justice system as they navigate the challenges of incarceration and returning to their communities. It brings attention to the experiences and needs of incarcerated women while showcasing the importance of providing resources, advocacy, and ongoing support to help women rebuild their lives, strengthen their families, and create new opportunities.

Newsday highlights New Hour’s opening of its expanded headquarters in Brentwood, a new space dedicated to supporting justice-impacted women, mothers, and their children. The article shares how New Hour helps mothers rebuild their lives after incarceration, strengthen family connections, and access the resources they need to successfully transition back into their communities. The new headquarters represents an important step in expanding New Hour’s reach and providing a welcoming space for women and families to find support, opportunity, and a fresh start.

When Rebecca Figueroa gave birth to her fourth child, her right leg was chained to the hospital bed so tightly that the shackle left cut marks on her skin, she said.

Figueroa, then in her twenties and addicted to drugs, was awaiting trial in Suffolk County on low-level charges that were ultimately dismissed, she said. Nineteen years later, she still tears up as she thinks about how lonely and helpless she felt in that moment.

Michel Blot was reassigned from Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to Sing Sing after prisoners and advocates raised concerns.

Migrant arrest rates have been high in places like Long Island, where federal agents benefit from stealth and the aid of local politicians.

Prison reform advocates are ringing the alarm bells about the conditions at a state correctional facility after several recent deaths. It just might not be the one you’re thinking of.

There is an urgent and escalating crisis inside Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.

In just four weeks, three women have died—two by suicide—amid increasingly inhumane conditions. People inside are being denied basic necessities, including access to daily showers and meaningful time out of their cells, while pathways home remain obstructed. Since the arrival of DSS Michael Blot—who faces serious and troubling allegations—conditions have worsened significantly.

We are coming together to demand immediate accountability, the removal of DSS Michael Blot, and an end to the conditions that are costing people their lives.