Our UU Church has been supporting an initiative from SUNY Potsdam, headed by Professor of Sociology Nancy Lewis. The program offers credit-bearing college courses at Riverview Prison and allows formerly incarcerated students, upon their release, to continue their studies at SUNY Potsdam or SUNY Canton. The first alumnus of this program, Brandon Rodriguez, received from us support for his deposit and first month’s rent; he has continued to visit us and, importantly, to provide leadership to develop the program for others. We note that this effort builds upon work done in the 2019 Social Justice Initiative focused on “Justice for All: Crime, Imprisonment and Community in the North Country.” We continue to honor and benefit from the work of Paul Siskind and Eileen Raymond in this Second Chance program.
On January 29, a second formerly incarcerated student will begin the HVAC program at SUNY Canton. Housing has been found, with Brandon Rodriguez “paying it forward” to help with the rent. But the place is unfurnished. The Faith in Action group is asking everyone to see if you could help with furnishings.
We already have a bed and bed sheets, a sofa, a desk and 2 chairs.
The following list indicates what we need:
Kitchen
-Utensils / chairs / Small table / Cleaning supplies
-Toaster / clock / lamps / cups / dishes /
-Silverware / ice cube trays / Fans / washcloths /
Bathroom:
-Toilet paper / plunger / Shower curtain / soap/ shampoo
– First aid stuff / towels / bathmat / washcloths
Bedroom/Living Room:
– Queen size blanket, cover, and pillows
– comfortable reading chair/lamp/bookcases
Other: boots/shoes size 12, Window Curtains
In addition to these items, Walmart gift cards which could be used to purchase personal hygiene items would be most welcome.
Please contact Pat Alden directly if you can help. (palden@stlawu.edu, 315-262-4898). Items can be picked up from your home, or left at the church, and should be in place over the weekend of January 27.