Christopher, NYC
“DOC is not giving anything upon release. I spent 15 years donating to nmyrelease funds. I came out with $23. It was enough for a 2 meals. That gate money didn’t go anywhere.”
After being caught for stealing, Christopher was sent to juvenile detention. Upon his release, his family decided to move him to New York for a fresh start. However, the generational gap and differing worldviews between him and his elderly caregivers led to further friction. Feeling misunderstood and resistant to guidance, Christopher sought autonomy, making decisions that often resulted in further trouble.
In 2001, Christopher moved back to New York City, hoping to establish himself independently. Unfortunately, emotional and peer pressures led to a series of poor decisions. Shortly after the devastating loss of his three-month-old daughter, Christopher found himself unable to process his grief, leading to reckless behavior. His unprocessed pain and anger culminated in actions that resulted in an 18-year prison sentence.
During his incarceration, Christopher's journey took a pivotal turn. Initially, the first five years were marked by anger and poor decision-making as he grappled with the harsh realities of prison life. However, a moment of self-reflection prompted him to seek change. Christopher realized that to avoid being consumed by anger, he needed to let go and start anew.
As his release date approached, Christopher participated in reentry programs designed to prepare inmates for life outside. However, he quickly realized that these programs, often one-size-fits-all, fell short of addressing the real challenges faced by returning citizens.
“$40 is insufficient to cover even the most basic needs.”
Despite facing numerous rejections, Christopher's determination led him to secure full-time employment as a case manager a not-for-profit organization.
Christopher's journey underscores the critical need for gate money reform. Gate money, a small amount of funds given to individuals upon their release from prison, is intended to help them transition back into society. However, the current system is grossly inadequate.
During his incarceration, Christopher witnessed firsthand the systemic flaws designed to keep individuals disadvantaged. Inflation increased commissary prices, yet wages remained stagnant, forcing inmates to rely on family support. Upon release, many individuals find themselves without essential documents like birth certificates, social security cards, or IDs, further hindering their ability to reintegrate.
Gate money reform is not just about increasing the amount of money given upon release; it's about providing individuals with the resources they need to succeed. Adequate funding can help secure housing, pay off debts, and obtain vital documents. Without these essentials, returning citizens are at risk of falling back into the cycle of crime and incarceration.
Christopher's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for transformation. It also serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive gate money reform. By providing adequate support to returning citizens, we can foster successful reintegration, reduce recidivism, and create a more just and equitable society.
Maria, NYC
“People think that reentry isn’t that hard, like you just go back to your community and get a job,” Maria said. “But it’s not that easy. I couldn’t get a job and I had no control over my future. But the cash assistance gave me some control of my life back, and I’m thankful for that.”
When Maria left Rikers Island seven years ago, she had nothing but the examples her grandma has shown her growing up in gentrifying Brooklyn: be determined, put your family first, survive anything.
Maria had tried everything she could to get a job once she was home again, but no one would hire her because of the felony conviction.
“I was desperate for a job. If it wasn’t for my grandma I would’ve been on the streets with my kids,” said Maria. “She barely had money for food, so forget about things like new clothes or riding the bus. I just had no help.”
In order to take care of herself and her children, Maria needed money for basic necessities, but the stigma of being formerly-incarcerated prevented her from finding employment to earn that money. That’s when she reached out to the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), and started on a transitional work crew immediately.
Shortly after joining CEO, and while still living day to day with some food insecurity, Maria received a cash assistance payment of $1,500 from the Returning Citizen Stimulus (RCS) program.
“There were no strings attached when I received the cash assistance, and without that I would have been dependent on state welfare,” Maria said. “I was so excited to have some financial independence.”
Maria used the money to buy clothes for her kids, groceries for the household, bus passes, and to pay bills like her cell phone and electric. About a month later, Maria received a second payment of $1,000 as part of the RCS that she used for mostly food.
“People think that reentry isn’t that hard, like you just go back to your community and get a job,” Maria said. “But it’s not that easy. I couldn’t get a job and I had no control over my future. But the cash assistance gave me some control of my life back, and I’m thankful for that.”
“If you don’t have to worry about where to get shoes and how to eat dinner when you walk out of prison, your chances to succeed will be greater,” said Maria.
Shamar, NYC
Shamar Stallworth was raised by good women – from his great grandma, the family matriarch, to his own mother – and he knows how important it is to respect and honor the women in your life.
“When my mom passed away, I had to take care of my baby sister for a while,” said Stallworth. “I knew how to care for her because my old girls had raised me to be responsible and loving.”
Shamar grew up in Queens, New York and played sports in high school before going to the City University of New York to earn his associates degree. Then during a short period of time, he lost all the women in his life and turned to hanging out with friends who were a bad influence. In time, he lost his freedom as well.
“When I got out, I knew I had to change my life, but I needed direction to do that,” said Shamar.
In 2021, Shamar was living in a transition house and needed a job. A friend told him about the Center for Employment Opportunities on Wall Street, and he went there to apply for the program. He started on a transitional work crew doing sanitation for a public housing unit, and worked with a job coach to create a resume and cover letter. After two months, Shamar took a different job with higher pay.
“The second job that CEO helped me find was as a cook,” Shamar said. “I want to own a restaurant or a food truck someday, but I know I need to build a work history and that was a good opportunity.”
Shortly after Shamar became a CEO participant, he was awarded $2,500 from a philanthropic family to use towards his reentry goals. He bought a car and used it as an Uber, transporting people in Queens. Shamar was interviewed on camera about how the money changed his circumstances, and why he thought it was important to have that buffer when transitioning out of prison.
“I’d been getting work incentive checks from CEO and my regular paycheck, but it wasn’t enough. The $2,500 helped me get a car and make money from driving,” Shamar said. “I wouldn’t have anything without CEO helping me push myself and become disciplined. I had to get up for work and be there on time…that was a challenge for me in the past.”
Shamar has been home for five years now, and recently took a position as direct support personnel working with people with disabilities. He describes the company and position as a “quality job,” a term he learned as a member of the CEO Policy Committee, a group of justice-impacted people who advocate for reform.
“The committee meets twice a week on Zoom to discuss flaws in the system, and talk about solutions to the problems,” Shamar said. “Last month we focused on the Cash Plus programs that allow people leaving prison a better chance to succeed by giving them money before they leave.”
Shqamar said that everyone’s opinion on the committee matters, and the goal is to be a group of advocates with connections to other people and places who can share lived experiences.
“When you get a sense of how laws work in other states you realize how different it is everywhere,” said Shamar. “The quality jobs campaign directly impacts my life, because we are trying to secure employment with companies that treat you right and pay fairly. But there isn’t a lot of oversight from politicians when it comes to quality jobs.”