PREP’s inaugural annual “Beyond the Bars” ceremony
PREP’s first annual Beyond the Bars ceremony was held on June 15, 2023 at The Armory in New York City. This annual event honors PREP participants and provides the opportunity for them to share their personal stories of the positive impact PREP has had on their re-entry journey. PREP participants Manny Figueroa, Abdul Harley and Rafael Rivera were featured speakers. Incarcerated participants were able to share their PREP stories through writing letters and poems to that were read by their PREP social workers.
Among our guests were DOCCS Acting Commissioner, Daniel Martuscello III and Associate Commissioner, Melissa Coolidge. PLS Executive Director, Karen Murtagh, was presented with an award to honor her creation of PREP, which was born from a “lightbulb moment,” she had many years ago. Through PREP, PLS has now expanded its scope of services to include helping individuals receive the necessary tools and support to avoid returning to prison.
Beyond the Bars 2023 was an inspirational and uplifting testament to the powerful impact of PLS’ PREP. We are extremely proud of our PREP program and our extremely dedicated social workers and program participants.