AT&T Supports NYC Video Conferencing Program Connecting Incarcerated People With Loved Ones

AT&T today announced a $70,000 contribution to the Osborne Association of New York City.

The money is to support and expand the Organization’s FamilyWorks program, which provides video conferencing and in-person visiting for those who have incarcerated loved ones throughout the five boroughs.

The money is to support and expand the Organization’s FamilyWorks program, which provides video conferencing and in-person visiting for those who have incarcerated loved ones throughout the five boroughs.

The program provides a safe space for families to stay connected via video, thereby keeping the family unit together throughout a family member’s incarceration, which plays a key role in a person’s successful reentry.

AT&T’s support will also provide funding and resources for in-person visits in the future once it is safe to do so.

As the pandemic has devastated communities across the country and forced family members and loved ones to be apart this holiday season, the demand for Osborne’s support has exceeded its current capacity.

AT&T’s contribution will help Osborne keep hundreds of New York City families connected, providing dedicated kits with books and toys for families to enjoy during their virtual visits and beyond.

This connection is essential to maintain the relationships that incarcerated individuals will rely on and depend upon as they return home once their sentences are completed.

This connection is essential to maintain the relationships that incarcerated individuals will rely on and depend upon as they return home once their sentences are completed.

“The holidays are a time when we all look forward to gathering with family and friends.

During this difficult holiday season, when so many of us are forced to be apart, AT&T is proud to collaborate with the Osborne Association to help ensure that people incarcerated can connect with their loved ones,” said Amy Kramer, President, AT&T New York. “This contribution is part of AT&T’s larger effort: We are committed to supporting meaningful and equitable change in communities across our state and across our nation. Thank you to Governor Cuomo, Secretary of State Rosado, and the NYS Council on Community Reintegration and Reentry for your leadership in the struggle to aid justice-involved members of our community.

We applaud them for their incredible work in this critical area.”

New York State Secretary of State & Chair of the New York State Council on Community Re-Entry Rossana Rosado said, “New York leads the way in helping justice-involved people successfully return to their communities by removing barriers and providing opportunities. At this critical time, I am proud of New York’s private sector partners for stepping up to support New Yorkers as they reintegrate into society and make positive change. By providing resources and building partnerships with community-based organizations, AT&T is setting an example for other companies to follow and delivering a second chance to people across the state.”

“Children—all children—need to know their parents are safe and to be able to see, hear, and whenever possible, touch their moms and dads,” said Osborne Association President and CEO Elizabeth Gaynes. “When a family member is in prison far from home and in-person visiting is challenging or impossible, our free video visiting program supports healthy family relationships and family wellbeing. We are grateful to AT&T for their investment in our work and their commitment to keeping families together.”

In addition to AT&T’s donation to the Osborne Association’s Video Conferencing Program, AT&T will be making a contribution of nearly $24,000 of face-covering masks and hand sanitizer to help the Organization safely conduct its reentry programming and to include in the reentry kits for those recently returning home from incarceration.

The contribution includes more than 2,500 8-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer and more than 19,000 reusable face-covering masks.

As COVID-19 continues to impact prisons and jails disproportionately, it is vital to provide appropriate equipment to people reentering society from incarceration.

AT&T’s support for The Osborne Association is part of the Company’s commitment to working with organizations across the country to advance social and racial justice while creating economic opportunities to foster upward mobility for Black, Brown, and underserved communities that have faced long-standing social inequities and higher unemployment.

AT&T also contributed more than $600,000 to social justice initiatives that help people go back to work, including the YMCA of Greater New York City, the Center for Employment Opportunities, the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families (CHCF), and the Ladies of Hope Ministry (LOHM).

This support is part of AT&T BelievesSM, which harnesses employees’ generosity, supports it with company resources, and joins with collaborators to make an even bigger impact on local communities and society at large.

Our society doesn’t work if it doesn’t work equally for all. We recognize that inequalities are pervasive, and we have a role to play in helping to address them.

That’s why we’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and improving lives, particularly amongst historically underserved populations.

We have a long history of investing in projects that promote academic and economic achievement and addressing community needs that promote social justice and racial equality.

With a financial commitment of $600 million through AT&T Aspire since 2008, AT&T has leveraged technology, relationships, and social innovation to help give everyone – regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status – the opportunity to succeed.

The Osborne Association, 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, New York, NY 10027, 212-324-5577, http://www.osborneny.org/

Photo credit: Osborne Association of New York City.