After almost 38 years incarcerated, Jamel came back to New York City with his set plan. He first read about Fortune in Connections, a reentry resource guide. From working in transitional services while in prison, he knew that stable housing is one of the most essential things to secure after release. Jamel felt lucky to have made his way to the Fortune Academy (Castle) this past spring. 

On his first day, Jamel woke up at 4 AM and took a shower without having to wait in line or ask anybody for permission. Then, he walked over to the Hudson River to watch the sunrise.

After getting settled quickly, Jamel connected with the Release Aging People in Prison (RAPP) campaign, where he now works as their New York City Community Organizer. With his team of community leaders, Jamel gives out information to people in impacted communities and reaches out to legislators to let them know about his work in their districts. 

A few of the bills that Jamel supports are the Fair and Timely Parole Bill and Elder Parole. He is also a part of the Clemency Collective, a group of individuals who have received clemency in New York in the last three years, advocating for others who are still incarcerated. 

Since coming home, Jamel has spoken in front of the United Nations delegation, flown for the first time to Switzerland, met with students at New York University, celebrated his mother’s 90th birthday, and, this November, spent his first significant holiday since returning home with Castle and Castle Gardens residents.

Usually, Jamel is away from the Castle until the evenings, but he was looking forward to the dinner so much that he stayed to ensure he was there when the festivities started. 

“All my blood relatives are still my family. But I had to develop a new family. We ate together; we struggled together; we developed programs together. They’re my family, and many of them are coming here tonight. So, I want to enjoy this and celebrate this time with them.” 

Now that he has a safe space to stay and a fulfilling job, Jamel looks forward to growing and learning more in the next half of his first year after coming home.