Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc.
Stopping the revolving door . . . .
Neither imprisonment or the life after should mean the loss of all the rights and attributes of citizenship.
|
Citizens Against Recidivism, Inc. Stopping the revolving door . . . . Neither imprisonment or the life after should mean the loss of all the rights and attributes of citizenship.
|
|
Photographs from: Citizens' Fourth Annual Awards Program October 2010
Policy Recommendation to increase higher education Opportunities for people in prison Fact Sheet on Muslims in NYS prisons
|
See our report on: Muslims inside prison Muslim Re-entry Initiative The Muslim Re-entry Initiative is an effort to help formerly incarcerated Muslims who were unable to have their various needs addressed following time spent in prison. They need help finding housing, employment, counseling, assistance uniting with their families upon their return and most of all, places to worship with other congregants. The project works on behalf of currently incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Muslims to decrease the rate at which Muslims return to prison following release. Muslims are in America's prisons! Nationally, 30% of African-Americans in prison are Muslims. An estimated 350,000 Muslims are housed in Federal, state or local prisons around the country. About 5% of all Muslims in America and 12% of all African American Muslims are in prison or jail across America. 25% of African Americans in New York State prisons are Muslims. About 80% of those seeking faith while in prison come to Islam. Between 30,000 and 40,000 convert to Islam while in prison each year. 95% of all State prisoners will eventually be released from prison.
The number of Muslims in New York State prisons is staggering and likely to be under-reported since 9/11 when some ceased reporting their religious affiliation. Among the orthodox Muslims the numbers counted over the years have fluctuated: 7,787 in 1990 11,634 in 1995 11,769 in 2000 9,044 in 2005 Current estimates of the number of Muslims in New York State prisons range between 8,000 and 10,000.
While the work Muslims have done in prison is known, on issues of reentry Muslims do not have structured programs, policies, or positions related to transitioning formerly incarcerated Muslims into the Muslim Community. Moreover, Muslims have few if any links to the broader community, community-base or other faith-based movements engaged in advocacy and services related to reentry. See our report on Muslims in prison! You can help! Donate Now!
Other findings leading to the work of the Muslim Re-entry Initiative
Muslims have a moral obligation to respond to this community crisis! The believers, men and women, are Auliya' (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another (Qur'aan) Why it matters: Islam is growing rapidly inside prisons Islam rehabilitates Muslims face unique challenges while incarcerated Muslims face unique challenges when released from prison The believers are friends and protectors of each other The resources available to Muslims are vast but not effectively used to aid their formerly incarcerated brothers and sisters. Those available are:
The only question remaining is what are we going to do Fisabillahi (in the way of Allah) to address this issue?
Your donations are tax deductible!
Contact us at: Telephone 347.626.7233 ext 3 Fax 347.626.7743 Postal address P.O. Box 9 - Lincolnton Station, New York, New York 10037
|
Send mail to
info@citizensinc.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
