DOnate

Your year-end donations

support WITNESS in our mission to change the narrative around the formerly incarcerated.

 

In 2024...

Transforming Lives: Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC) and Witness to Mass Incarceration (WITNESS) partnered to develop economic opportunities for formerly incarcerated, wrongfully convicted, and system-impacted communities.

Through our partnership, the WITNESS MakerSpace officially opened in Queens as office and workspace for staff, interns, and program participants! This space serves as a home for our two-year program R.I.S.E.

 

R.I.S.E is a transformative mission aimed to provide pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and incubator programs for formerly incarcerated, wrongfully convicted, and system-impacted individuals.

READINESS.

Enrich individuals with hands-on practice and real-world experience.

INDEPENDENCE.

Foster and develop economic independence.

STABILITY.

Pursue financial stability now and for future generations.

ENTREPRENEUR.

Build networks and find economic success.

Through our Art of Tailoring Program, Sewing Machine Technology and Pastry and Baking Arts Program, We aim to :

  • Teach students how to make and repair clothes through industry experts

  • Teach students culinary arts through industry experts.

  • Support them through pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and incubation in the industry.

  • Establish a cooperative model to help students expand their product online and at markets

  • Combat recidivism by equipping individuals with the skills to achieve financial independence and economic stability.
 

Our Art of Tailoring Program graduated two cohorts of students made up of the formerly incarcerated, wrongfully convicted, and system-impacted communities.

 

In July and December, we held our 4th Annual Suitcase Sunday and 2nd Annual Justice Reimagined events.

We featured over 30 incarcerated business vendors in each event and shared their stories on our platform.

Many elected officials joined us at our events including Manhattan D.A. Alvin Bragg, City Council Members Gale Brewer, Yusel Salaam, & Tiffany Cabán, Comptroller Brad Lander, Borough Presidents Mark Levine, and more!

 
 

In 2025 WITNESS will begin our Vocational Apprenticeship Programs (RISE) in partnership with QEDC events.

Your donation will go to buying sewing machines, sewing kits, fabrics, and other supplies for these apprenticeship programs.

Your generous year-end giving will allow WITNESS to continue to use our platform to promote formerly incarcerated, system-impacted entrepreneurs and individuals from other marginalized communites

Thank You!