I was struck by the words of Shanon (name changed) during today's interview with her for our EMERGE leadership class, she shared, "Mothers coming home from incarceration are always treated worse, there's the judgement about how we should've known better."

I hear and feel this heightened level of trauma and stigma often. It's why we continue to create safe spaces for women across New York State, to give them the opportunity to heal from trauma. While we continue to do this, we need your support. Will you purchase an angel sponsorship for a person in need to attend our Freedom Forever: 2023 Gala?

We'll be honoring New Hour Leader Pam Neely, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon, Camille Emeagwali of the New York Women's Foundation and Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg.

We're thrilled to share News 12 Long Island's Doug Geed has volunteered to join us as our Emcee! It's why we work so hard to build awareness and include the community across Long Island, to ensure we live beyond the stigma our our worst moments and move towards healing together.