I still remember the women I left behind so many years ago in prison. One of them, Deborah, who I went to college and church with, (pictured below courtesy of photographer Sara Bennett) has been denied release over and over again like so many others.

These are women and grandmothers who can't change why they became incarcerated, but have proven they deserve parole consideration. Many have completed college, taught younger women and achieved tremendous personal growth while incarcerated. And yet this is not enough to be granted freedom.

This is why we've chosen to join the collective movement across the state to support parole reform. The People's Campaign for Parole Justice will save lives, save tax dollars and support children.

We need your help to ensure lawmakers prioritize these needed reforms, which will have a major impact to mend families back together throughout Long Island and beyond.