New Hour in the News
Nonprofit New Hour helps Long Island's incarcerated women transition back to society
New Hour Executive Director Serena Liguori says the program has helps roughly 1,200 women a year on Long Island.
December 24, 2022
Via:
Newsday
New policy on food packages for inmates in state prisons brings protests from families and advocates
A new state policy says families of inmates in state prisons cannot bring them food anymore, provoking protests among relatives and advocates who say it is denying them a basic right.
December 4, 2022
Via:
Newsday
Statewide rallies held in New York call for better conditions in state prisons
A demonstration was held Monday outside of Nassau Courthouse in Mineola to call for better conditions at state prisons.
November 21, 2022
Via:
News 12 Long Island
Women Bear the Brunt of New York's Prison Care Package Ban
New restrictions have made it harder to send food to incarcerated people. Advocates say the policy is doing disproportionate harm inside women's prisons, and to women on the outside who often serve as caretakers.
November 15, 2022
Via:
The Appeal
As Nassau Executive Blasts Bail Reform, Data Shows Few Are Re-Arrested
Data from the NCPD shows that 87 percent of people arrested last quarter were released without bail. But few went on to commit more crimes.
August 16, 2022
Via:
Patch
Radically Transforming Community - Keynote by Serena Liguori
What does it look like to belong to a diverse, compassionate and engaged community in the spirit of unifying love?
July 10, 2022
Via:
Sister's of Saint Joseph U. S. Federation
Long Islanders celebrate Juneteenth with grand jubilee in Suffolk
Monday was the first time Juneteenth was celebrated as a federal holiday. The actual holiday was on Sunday but was observed on June 20 with a huge celebration in Suffolk.
June 21, 2022
Via:
News 12 Long Island
Bellone: Police body cameras a 'win-win scenario'
Body cameras will hold officers accountable, shield cops from false complaints of misconduct, and build public trust in Suffolk police, County Executive Steve Bellone said while announcing the rollout of a key element of the department’s reform plan on Thursday, calling it a “win-win-win scenario.”
June 2, 2022
Via:
Newsday
Suffolk Police rolling out officer body cameras
The murder of George Floyd prompted sweeping police reforms, and now Suffolk County is following other major police forces rolling out body cameras for its officers.
June 2, 2022
Via:
CBS New York
Wrongful conviction bill must be passed by the State Legislature
It is hard to imagine a scenario more chilling than being accused, then convicted, of a crime you did not commit.
May 30, 2022
Via:
Newsday
"From Prison to Productive"
It Is What It Is - Season 1, Episode 6 "From Prison to Productive - It’s The New HOUR For Women And Children!". On this episode of “It Is What It Is”, Cindy will be chatting with two fabulously inspiring women - Serena Liguori, Executive Director and Anitria Blue, Community Ambassador Liaison, both representing New HOUR for Women and Children on Long Island.
May 12, 2022
Via:
It Is What It Is
U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph Justice Action Webinar 2022
Join a the CSSJ Family for a presentation and a moderated panel where participants will learn about cash bail, pretrial detention and reform, and sentencing - with a focus on women's and juveniles' experiences.
Panelists include Serena Martin-Liguori, Executive Director, New Hour for Women & Children & - Anitria Blue, Community Ambassador Liaison, New Hour for Women & Children
May 4, 2022
Via:
U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph
Police reform: County officials, activists split on progress
One year after Nassau and Suffolk counties submitted sweeping police reform plans ordered by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis police custody, county officials and community activists are split over how much progress has been made.
April 9, 2022
Via:
Newsday
WRHU-FM New York Interview with Serena Liguori
WHRU's Yaw Bonsu speaks with New Hour's Executive Director Serena Liguori about the story of New Hour and how the organization is making a positive impact across Long Island.
March 30, 2022
Via:
WHRU
Meet the women helping women on LI: Serena Martin-Liguori
Serena Martin-Liguori, of New Hour for Women and Children-Long Island, discusses her non-profit, which helps women impacted by incarceration.
March 27, 2022
Via:
Newsday
Joint Public Hearing: The impact of sexual assault in the prison system
A public hearing regarding the impact of sexual assault in the prison system. New Hour's Executive Director Serena Liguori gives testimony.
March 3, 2022
Via:
New York Senate
Spike in violent crimes seen on LI ahead of Biden visit
A rise in shootings across Long Island has several neighborhoods on edge.
February 3, 2022
Via:
News 12 Long Island
Re-emerging Into Her Power with Serena Liguori
I'm Curious with Ashley Asti
January 13, 2022
Via:
I'm Curious with Ashley Asti
Advocates for inmates: Action needed from Gov. Hochul as COVID surges in Bedford Hills prison
Serena Martin-Liguori, the executive director for New Hour for Women and Children, says the number of cases among inmates is close to 70 - so she's asking Hochul to grant clemency for some of the women to reduce the population.
January 9, 2022
Via:
News 12
HERSTORY: First Black woman named NYPD commissioner
Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced his choice for New York City’s next police commissioner Wednesday morning. Adams named Nassau County Police Chief of Detectives Keechant Sewell, 49, as the incoming police commissioner. She will be the first Black woman to hold the role in the history of the NYPD.
December 15, 2021
Via:
Amsterdam News
Activists rally on LI and NYC for clemency and changes in parole policies
Advocates for former and current inmates rallied Tuesday on Long Island and in New York City for clemency for eligible prisoners and a pair of bills that would change parole and release policies for rehabilitated offenders.
November 23, 2021
Via:
Newsday
In this joint effort, a fresh START for Suffolk inmates begins with the right outfit
A new clothing drive is seeking donations to provide inmates leaving the Suffolk County prison system with dress attire so they can pursue career and educational goals.
November 11, 2021
Via:
Newsday
Gov. Hochul signs law aimed at reducing parolee incarceration for technical violations
New York state is loosening its parole laws as Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday aimed at keeping parolees from being incarcerated on technical violations.
September 17, 2021
Via:
News 12 Long Island
New Hour: A Fresh Start For Incarcerated Women With Serena Liguori
Incarcerated women deserve to move forward with life. We can have a fresh start, be happy and live meaningful lives if only we know how to find the much-needed resources. Join Julia Lazareck and the Executive Director of New Hour Serena Liguori as they delve into seeing yourself in a different light, thinking healthy thoughts and moving forward.
August 11, 2021
Via:
Prison: The Hidden Sentence
The Rebirth of Institutionalism: From Mental Hospitals to the Prison Industrial Complex
“What we know is that jails and prisons repeatedly let women down; they do not meet mental health needs in a holistic way.”
July 20, 2021
Via:
Ms. Magazine
Queens block party held for formerly incarcerated New Yorkers
Formerly incarcerated New Yorkers who now own their own small businesses celebrated Sunday at a Queens block party.
July 18, 2021
Via:
PIX 11
New Hour provides a path to life after prison for women and their families
While most 19-year-olds are just starting their adult lives, Serena Liguori was in prison.
June 7, 2021
Via:
ABC7 Eyewitness News
Nassau jail death leads to contraband questions
On Dec. 28, 2018, 28-year-old Kevin Rollins, an inmate at the Nassau County Correctional Facility in East Meadow, died of a fentanyl overdose after he was found in cardiac arrest in his cell, where he was awaiting sentencing after violating the terms of his deal with Nassau’s Drug Treatment Court following a 2016 arrest.
May 19, 2021
Via:
Medium
Advocates rally on Mother’s Day for women behind bars and their families
Last Saturday, a coalition of advocates and lawmakers rallied on Mother’s Day weekend at a Rikers Island bus stop in Brooklyn and outside Bedford Hills prison for women in Westchester to support women and mothers behind bars and their families.
May 13, 2021
Via:
Amsterdam News
NY Women’s Prison, Housing Mothers and Newborns, Hit By COVID-19 Outbreak
The number of COVID-19 cases has spiked in recent weeks at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a women’s prison that houses inmates who are pregnant as well as a nursery program for newborns.
April 20, 2021
Via:
The Gothamist
In Lisa Montgomery, formerly incarcerated women see echoes of their own stories: ‘She never had a chance to just live’
There are few who would defend Lisa Montgomery’s actions from Dec. 16, 2004. On that day, Montgomery, then 36, drove to the home of a pregnant woman she had befriended online, Bobbie Jo Stinnet, and strangled her with a piece of rope.
January 12, 2021
Via:
The Lily
For Police Reformers, Union President Apology Didn't Go Far Enough
fter the racial justice protests over the summer, both reformers and police unions were asked to sit at the same table and draft a plan for police reforms.
January 11, 2021
Via:
WSHU Public Radio
Unspoken Costs
Isolation, incarceration, and the prison telecommunications industry
November 1, 2020
Via:
The Politic
New Hour: Making Positive Change for Those Impacted by Incarceration
When Serena Liguori was 19 years old, she became incarcerated. During her time in prison, she quickly realized that access to health care and other services was inequitable and lacking compared to care one can get elsewhere.
October 7, 2020
Via:
Good Counsel Services
Returning Citizen
She's out of prison after 17 years. What does freedom feel like?
September 30, 2020
Via:
I'm Curious Podcast
Bus Blog: New Hour for Women and Children
There are no words to describe the grief of hearing keys jingling down a cell block corridor. There are no words to describe the trauma that long-term isolation can have on a body and mind.
September 25, 2020
Via:
Network Lobby
New Hour, advocacy group for incarcerated Long Island women, mourns death of ex-program coordinator
“They gave me the key and now I’m free,” Miller-Hill said at the time.
September 1, 2020
Via:
The Island Now
Black Lives Matter rally focuses on imprisoned women in Nassau County
A Black Lives Matter rally held outside of the Nassau County jail Friday shed light on bringing justice for imprisoned black and transgender women.
July 3, 2020
Via:
News12 Long Island
Events, celebrations planned on Long Island for Juneteenth
Juneteenth has been celebrated for years, but there are pushes to make it an official holiday and to teach the meaning and history behind the day to those who might not be aware of it.
June 18, 2020
Via:
News12 Long Island
Racial justice advocates want Kaminsky to reinvest ‘cop money’
Protesters joined in front of State Sen. Todd Kaminsky’s office in Rockville Centre on June 18 to demand that he refuse campaign contributions from police unions.
June 18, 2020
Via:
LI Herald
Protesters: LI Senate Dems must use law enforcement contributions for reforms
Dozens of activists Thursday called on Long Island's Democratic state senators to reinvest years of campaign contributions from law enforcement into bail funds and groups protesting police brutality.
June 18, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Advocates propose housing for women released from prison
Serena Liguori is counting on using a $50,000 grant from a California organization as seed money to help her nonprofit launch an initiative to house women after they are released from prison.
June 16, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Advocates cheer 50-a reform while law enforcement urges caution
Long Island civil rights advocates cheered Tuesday as New York lawmakers repealed a state law considered one of the nation's strictest in shielding police disciplinary records, even as local officials cautioned that officer safety must remain a priority.
June 10, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Advocates, unions spar over rule sealing police disciplinary records
Long Island police unions and criminal justice advocates are gearing up for a battle over 50a, the controversial regulation that prohibits the release of disciplinary records of police officers.
June 3, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Advocates fight for release of vulnerable incarcerated people, increased testing, more accountability in Nassau County jail
Advocates for incarcerated people held an action outside the Nassau County Jail on Thursday calling for the release of vulnerable people as well as more transparency on the part of the county
May 27, 2020
Via:
The Island Now
Advocates for Nassau jail inmates call for daily coronavirus updates
Advocates for inmates at the Nassau County Correctional Center called on County Executive Laura Curran to provide daily updates on the number of coronavirus cases in the East Meadow jail and for the release of vulnerable people during a protest Thursday in Mineola.
May 21, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Inmates' advocates call on Nassau to release the COVID-19-vulnerable
Long Island advocates for the incarcerated rallied outside the Nassau Correctional Center on Friday, calling on county officials to release inmates who are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus from the East Meadow jail.
April 24, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Open Letter to Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio from the Justice for Women COVID-19 Task Force
Dear Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio,
We are pleased that the Governor has announced that incarcerated people in
DOCS facilities over the age of 55, having 90 days or less on their sentence, and not
guilty of a violent or sexual related crime will be released on a rolling basis.
April 21, 2020
Via:
Justice for Women COVID-19 Taskforce
Officials: Bail reform helping stem virus spread in LI jails
New York’s controversial bail reform — and the resulting decline in the state's jail population — has helped slow the spread of the coronavirus among those behind bars locally, officials said, even as new cases have exploded elsewhere on Long Island.
April 10, 2020
Via:
Newsday
Digital rallies call for release of select inmates to prevent virus spread
A call was made Monday to release select inmates from Long Island jails and state prisons to prevent infections within the facilities during the coronavirus pandemic.
March 30, 2020
Via:
News12 Long Island
Civil rights groups: Officials engaged in 'misinformation campaign' blaming man's death on criminal justice reform
Is the state's new discovery reform to blame for the death of a witness in an MS-13 trial? A group of advocates says no, and they want an apology.
February 7, 2020
Via:
News12 Long Island
Supporters, critics of bail reform law hold dueling rallies at Nassau courthouse
Supporters and critics of the state’s new bail reform law held dueling rallies Saturday outside the Nassau County Court in Mineola.
January 25, 2020
Via:
News12 Long Island
New Hour's Executive Director, Serena Liguori
Listen in as the Executive Director of New Hour for Women and Children speaks about our work on Criminal Justice Insider, 103.5FM WNHH Community Radio.
January 22, 2020
Via:
WNHH Community Radio
Push To End Lifetime Prison Sentences in New York
Around 500 activists and lawmakers packed the Million Dollar Staircase at the Capitol today calling for an end to lifetime prison sentences.
January 14, 2020
Via:
Spectrum News 1
Rally held in Mineola to support state bail reform laws to go into effect in 2020
A rally was held in Mineola Tuesday to celebrate new bail reform laws set to go into effect in New York at the start of 2020.
December 10, 2019
Via:
News12 Long Island
Don't be scared of fearmongering over bail reform
A desperately needed and long-overdue bail reform bill passed the State Legislature this year, and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed it into law. Now, some prosecutors with the District Attorneys Association of New York are employing a campaign of fear to either change the law or delay its implementation, and keep more people in jail to await trial.
December 9, 2019
Via:
Newsday
A queer Black elder died in prison last week because she was refused treatment for cancer.
Release Aging People in Prison—held a rally Wednesday to push local govt to pass a bill that allows imprisoned elders an automatic parole hearing. #SayHerName #ValerieGaiter
August 23, 2019
Via:
Rally held to push for bill giving elderly inmates a chance for parole
Advocates of parole reform held a rally Wednesday night following the death of a woman who had served decades in the New York state prison system.
August 21, 2019
Via:
ABC7 Eyewitness News
Protestors shout "Valerie Gaiter" outside Legislative Office Building
Protestors shout "Valerie Gaiter" outside Legislative Office Building (Video)
August 21, 2019
Via:
Daily News
Advocates for Aging Prisoners Look to Force a Debate on Parole
When Sammy Cabassa stepped onto the sidewalk again after 34 years in prison, he found it dizzying. The then 60-year-old was granted parole – after his 4th parole hearing in 5 years – in 2017. When he walked back into the city he left as a young man, the bright lights were hard to adjust to, after years of spending almost all of his time in dimly lit facilities.
August 20, 2019
Via:
City Limits