Philanthropy organizations call on Adams administration to reverse proposed cuts to programming at Rikers Island

The Adams administration is getting pushback on its plans to cut $17 million in programming now provided by nonprofits at Rikers Island.

The New York Youth Justice Initiative, a coalition of philanthropic organizations dedicated to improving youth justice systems, penned a letter to Mayor Eric Adams, Department of Corrections Commissioner Louis A. Molina and City Council Member Carlina Rivera, concerning the proposed cuts to programming. “These cuts are alarming, short-sighted and go against some of the Administration’s own priorities to ‘promote a safer city,’” the letter provided to New York Nonprofit media states. 

Nonprofit organizations acting as programming providers include The Fortune Society and Osborne Association. The programs teach carpentry, plumbing, financial literacy, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management and drug relapse prevention. If approved, the cuts would go into effect July 1st. The Department of Correction would then take over the programming, but advocates say that the DOC does not have the ability to be able to run programs at the same capacity as the organizations do. 

“We do not believe (the Department of Correction) staff has the capacity, expertise, and knowledge to provide these services,” the letter states. “We understand that attendance in some programming may be challenging and urge DOC to work with providers on strategies to boost attendance, not eliminate services.”

Ronald Day, vice president of programs at the Fortune Society made similar comments to Gothamist. “There is no way that DOC is going to be able to deliver the services at the rate and at the capacity and with the quality that the providers have been doing for years. That is a complete pipe dream to think that is possible.” 

The programming is viewed as a key way to reduce recidivism. The Initiative’s letter noted that data has shown that in-custody programming provided by “expert organizations has a positive impact on those while in custody and is critical to ensure continuing engagement after release.” 

The letter concludes by saying that “transitional supportive relationships must begin in custody and continue when people go home to ensure the success of the individual, their family’s happiness, and the safety of the community.