“If we don’t do something to change our probation and parole systems and turn them into systems that are really designed to support people’s re-entry into society instead of keeping people back in the system , we can continue to grow the nation. Most of our incarcerated population just by continuing to revoke people’s probation and release and keep that door moving.” Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow
Founded on the belief that there is a better way, the New York City Department of Probation (DOP) created the Neighborhood Opportunity Network (NeON) in 2011. The network consists of community organizations, government agencies, local businesses that, and focused public citizens. about connecting trial customers with opportunities, resources and services.
DOP’s NeON program is focused on deploying resources in vulnerable areas, building real relationships with citizens and key stakeholders to address issues that contribute to contributing to justice and having a positive and transformative impact on lives. of people.
NeON is based on a systematic, person-centered, and holistic approach to investing in communities affected by mass incarceration and is dedicated to addressing racial inequality and suffering caused by unjust policies. Neighborhoods with high numbers of young people who continue to be deported, including East New York, Bedford Stuyvesant, and the Brownsville sections of Brooklyn, Jamaica, Queens, the South Bronx, Staten Island, and Harlem, are where the NeON program is located. and focus there.
In 2013, DOP partnered with Carnegie Hall to create NeON Arts, a proven approach to supporting justice-involved youth rebuilding their communities. NeON Arts is a free program developed by the NYC Department of Probation and Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. It provides New York City youth with an opportunity to explore the arts through a variety of creative projects to help them develop positive peer relationships and important life and career skills.
Watch a video about NeON Arts’ approach to creating a new future.
NeON Arts is one of five grant-making partners in Kresge’s Culture of Justice project. Launched in 2019, this national program – a joint effort of Kresge’s Arts & Culture Program, The Boys and Men of Color Working Group and the Human Services Program – is based on a group of five community organizations that use art and culture to improve justice in their communities.
“We see a lot of things that happen in the justice system as things that sometimes stifle expression,” says Ayanna Cole, Carnegie’s Director of Community Engagement Programs. “So, part of our goal is to be able to partner with organizations and institutions to help overcome that barrier.”
Cole adds: “And when you combine Carnegie’s long-standing commitment to serving the widest possible audience, including the fairgrounds, this partnership makes sense.”
Catrina Prioleau, who runs NeON for the New York City Department of Probation, says: “Art has created ways for the Probation Department to connect with people on probation in unexpected ways. “You come in and it’s about art that happens. We have probation officers who work with people on probation and they both focus on creativity as part of the process. Art is the bridge that allows us to do that connection and creating relationships that don’t always have that power. It’s normal, but it builds community and changes negative attitudes.”
Changing the story creatively
Each NeON location hosts free workshops throughout the year at community satellite offices. Offices look and feel like art galleries. Young people aged 16 to 24 are eligible to participate, many of whom are starting or completing probation terms. For probationary participants, participation in the program usually lasts three to five years. Since the NY Department of Probation opened NeON centers, Prioleau said more than 15,000 New York City youth have had access to their services and supports.
As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded in 2020, NeON Arts was forced to conduct its program online. The group was pleasantly surprised at the increased interest and participation. NeONs reopened in the spring of 2022, for the first time since the beginning of the epidemic.
“Covid has been a lesson in being willing to do work in different ways,” explains Cole. “It’s clear that young people wanted to be involved, which could mean thinking about new ways to deliver hybrids, whatever it takes to help them achieve their goals.”
The main goal of the program is to minimize the direct trial of people and neighbors in communities that were not loyal to the justice system.
Regina Smith, executive director of Kresge’s Arts and Culture program, says: “NeON Arts continues to explore ways that art and other creative solutions can help keep people involved in justice from they are re-imprisoned while dealing with issues within the system itself.
Prioleau explains: “The Test Department, while developing NeONs, was interested in thinking about ways in which we can work with people who are involved in justice in situations that allow them to work together with their neighbors without and scandal.
As the city’s arts partner, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute (WMI) helps provide grants for local artists who lead youth workshops. WMI also supports festivals throughout the city showcasing songs, poetry and other art forms created by NeON Arts participants.
Cole said the partnership has proven beneficial for Carnegie Hall by deepening its relationship with young people, especially those in communities of color, and as a way to expand their support for young independent artists. home.
“We try to create opportunities for artists from the communities we serve,” he says. “The NeON Arts model means more community voice, more community leadership, more youth voice, intentionally, so it means that Carnegie Hall is not the end of decision-making.”
In fact, NeON Tour Groups from each NeON region make the final decision on which artists and arts organizations are awarded grants. “It’s a huge power shift that allows us to be social,” Cole says. “So, we don’t make the decision, and the test doesn’t make the decision. The community decides who gets help, which is one of the best parts of the NeON model.”
The result is an experimental experience that provides a safe platform for young people to express their thoughts and feelings and take risks to create things for themselves; foster the development of positive relationships with peers and adults; promote happiness, creativity, and community pride; and connecting participants to educational opportunities and jobs.
“Before NeON Arts, I was on trial; nobody wanted to go,” explained Jeremy Smith, a member of NeON Arts in the Bronx. Smith, a poetry participant, said the process changed his perspective on being on probation. “…He was go there (to the test office), you’d see your probation officer, maybe take the test and get out. There’s nothing like what NeON does, in terms of coming up with a lot of programs and ideas creativity to get in touch with our creative side.”
By listening to participants like Smith and implementing their ideas into the program, the NeON Arts team is constantly thinking of new ways to help the program evolve.
For his part, Prioleau is eyeing a new creative focus that he hopes will add another creative dimension to the way NeON Arts works to distinguish itself as an example of social justice commitment.
“I want to get rid of the desk,” he says. Although he scoffs a bit when explaining, he is serious, and insists that his vision will remove physical barriers and make NeONs more acceptable. “Generally, when people come in to see their probation officer, there’s one person sitting on one side of the desk: one person sitting on the other side of the desk. I just want to walk them through it.” and that there should be no impediments to natural interactions and discussions.”
Prioleau is quick to point out that he is neither naïve nor critical of the NeONs’ original intentions. “None of this is about trying to hide the fact that the tests are law enforcement or that NeONs are part of environmental law enforcement.” However he insists that this example has a message and a lesson of correction that should also be passed on to law enforcement.
“We should be in favor of helping people who have made a mistake, but find another chance, to continue their lives in good and productive ways. Law enforcement should not discriminate against people for do their work. The right environment and the combination of art proves that it is possible to be a less intimidating method.”
