Russell Simmons to be 2011 honoree at the Fortune Society’s Fall Benefit.

Minimal reductions in ATI funding enable programs to flourish.

Check out this incredible article, which was a full half-page on the front of the metro section, about Chris Carney – the formerly incarcerated super at Castle Gardens, Fortune’s new mixed-use, green, supportive and affordable housing community and service center in West Harlem.  This story will give you goosebumps!

Check it out, folks!  Click the images below to browse the report, or click here to download your own copy now!

Meet Casimiro Torres – a former Fortune client and then staff member, co-writer and one of the stars of the original drama “The Castle”, current Housing Works Substance Abuse Counselor, and one of the newest member of The Fortune Society’s Board of Directors!

“Last month I reached my one year home mark. What’s so funny is that I remember the day I came home like it was yesterday. I remember what I wore. I remember the weather. And I remember what I was thinking.  I remember thinking where I wanted to be at with my progress within one year. Now that the one year mark has come and gone I have to say that I’m happy with my progress, but I’m certainly not content yet…” Read the full post after the jump!

This regular feature, written by Alvaro Cumberbatch, is comprised of the musings of a formerly incarcerated man who is currently in the process of building his own better future.  Having served six and a half years on the inside, Alvaro has a unique inside/out perspective to share with our readers.  Comments and questions are encouraged!! …

“Through her involvement with The Fortune Society, word spread about the network Barbara was creating with the families. Eventually she formed Prison Families Anonymous (PFA) as a non-profit that provides a safe, non-judgmental place where those in similar situations can connect with one another. “That was the beginning of my recovery,” she says…” Read the full article after the jump!

Erika Loseman, Fortune’s talented Art Therapist and author of the “Creative Works” feature on this blog, shares the story of how she came to Fortune – and how working here has impacted her life.  Learn more about Erika after the jump, as well as in the upcoming issue of the Fortune News, coming out in March!

Take a look at this compelling video, produced in June of 2010 by Al Jazeera English, about “Dying Inside: Elderly in Prison.”  The video features Fortune client and resident of Castle Gardens, Larry White.