STATE MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR FORMER INMATES TO BECOME REHABILITATED

Can formerly incarcerated individuals ever truly get a second chance?
Not as long as New York state continues to create obstacles to their
successful rehabilitation and re-entry into society.

A crystal clear example of barriers to this success is demonstrated
in your recent reporting of ex-offenders being barred from
volunteering at bingo games operated by the Rev. Peter Young
Foundation -- an organization with a long-standing and unblemished
history of helping men and women put their lives back together after
getting out of prison ("Use of ex-cons derails bingo fundraiser,"
Times Union, May 17).

Volunteering is a selfless act, which, in the case of the
foundation's bingo game, has resulted in raising money to maintain
the operation of Father Young's 28-day inpatient rehabilitation
center in Altamont and other reintegration programs, including
supportive housing, parenting and life skills classes, GED and other
education classes, parole stabilization, training in culinary arts,
motel operations and job placement services.

I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Father Young for
many years, and can personally attest to the success of his various
programs, which not only operate here in the Capital Region but
statewide, including my Senate district in Brooklyn. Father Young
works tirelessly to help men and women lead productive and fulfilling
lives upon their release from prison.

His programs' participants volunteer to support his heartfelt work so
others may have the same enrichment and support and have a second
chance at a positive future.

Father Peter Young is no stranger to the people of the Capital
Region, nor is his mission. The volunteer staffing of his weekly
bingo game by formerly incarcerated individuals should not be
outlawed. If the laws of our state need to be changed to legalize
this act of altruism, I will proudly author legislation to allow
volunteering by ex-offenders.

VELMANETTE MONTGOMERY

State Senator, Brooklyn

The writer is a member of the Senate Committee on Crime Victims,
Crime and Correction.