VALHALLA – As part of their robust rehabilitation program system, the Westchester County Department of Correction is offering incarcerated individuals the opportunity “to give back to the community.”
This effort is the result of a partnership with AFYA, a not-for-profit organization that helps global communities in need of medical supplies.
Afya which means “health” or ‘wellness” in Swahili, works with a regional network of medical supply donors and volunteers to meet immediate humanitarian needs in areas devastated by natural disaster or public health crises.
Department of corrections inmates participating in this volunteer program are virtually taught to customize packages of surplus medical supplies that are then shipped by Afya to global communities in need.
“Our agency recognizes the connection between volunteering to help those in need and personal growth,” Corrections Commissioner Joseph Spano said. “Helping and working with others can impact a person’s sense of purpose, and overall outlook on their life or future goals. Developing strong community partnerships such as this one is an important part of our progressive rehabilitation and reentry strategies.”
Preparing the medical supplies packages takes place once a week at the county jail. The inmates are provided with instructions and guidance to ensure the work is carried out effectively. The completed medical supply packages are then shipped to all areas of the world such as Cuba, Ghana, Haiti, US Virgin Islands, Ukraine and more recently to Afghanistan refugee receiving centers in New Jersey.
When asked about their experience in the program one of the volunteer inmates said, “This program makes me feel better as a person. It feels good to know that despite my confinement I can still help communities and people in need.”
Another volunteer echoed that sentiment. “Being in this program gave me a different outlook on life. I did not really understand what countries in need actually needed until this program. To be able to give back feels fulfilling…we can go to sleep thinking, Wow I really just helped so many people.”
