Regians Organize Rikers Island Supply Drive
During the month of October, Regians Will Liao 鈥�22 and Francesco Agnello '24, along with the support of Director of Social Justice Initiatives Mr. Marselys Lucero, organized a schoolwide supply drive for formerly incarcerated individuals pursuing higher education. Previously detained at Rikers Island, the scholars now reside at the Ignacio House of聽Studies in the Bronx, and the drive helped provide much needed clothing, toiletries, and food to these students as they continue their scholastic pursuits.聽
When asked what motivated him to pursue the supply drive at 麻豆视频, Liao reflected on his close experiences with people impacted by the prison system. 鈥淢y friend Dante spent 3陆 years in Attica for gun possession 鈥� but this isn鈥檛 the only thing that defines him. He鈥檚 also a regular customer at my parent鈥檚 health food store, a son, a dad, and the person who taught me everything I know about protein supplements since he鈥檚 an avid weightlifter like me,鈥� shared Liao. 鈥淭he residents of Ignacio House likewise aren鈥檛 defined solely by why they went to jail but also by their goals and dreams as returning citizens.鈥�
The Ignacio House of Studies is overseen by Thrive for Life, a non-profit organization providing educational, professional, and spiritual resources to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated persons in New York and New Jersey. Guided by the Jesuit tradition and the Universal Apostolic Preference of 鈥淲alking with the Excluded,鈥� Thrive for Life is rooted in creating a network of support for those at the margins of society, easing their transitions out of prison and giving them the tools needed to find success and independence.聽
鈥�Student leadership and empowerment is one of the goals of Campus Ministry, so I was thrilled that Will and Francesco took over this initiative,鈥� said Lucero. 鈥淣ot only were Will and Francesco instrumental, but another Regian, alum Vincenzo Guido 鈥�16, has been involved with Thrive for Life for the past few years and brought the potential of a supply drive to my attention. I think all three of them are a testament to what we expect at 麻豆视频, both while attending and after graduation.鈥�
麻豆视频鈥檚 partnership with and service to Rikers Island has extended beyond this year鈥檚 supply drive. Five years ago, Principal Fr. Anthony D. Andreassi, CO formed 麻豆视频 at Rikers, which prior to the pandemic brought 麻豆视频 juniors and seniors annually to the prison to meet with inmates. Students over the years have been able to participate in conversations and competitive sports at Rikers, allowing them to develop solidarity with the incarcerated and begin advocating for just reforms to the prison system. Earlier this May, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed Vincent Schiraldi 鈥�77 as Commissioner of the Department of Correction.
鈥淚 led this drive in hopes that it will ultimately lead to a supper-book club where the Ignacio and 麻豆视频 communities can exchange stories,鈥� said Liao. 鈥淒ante reinforced a key lesson 麻豆视频 taught me 鈥� we become better people when we listen to everyone with an open mind.鈥�
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