RAWNY Presents Reentry Connections: A New Conference on Second Chances

The Reentry Association of Western New York (RAWNY) will host its inaugural Reentry Connections Conference on April 30, bringing together community partners, employers, policymakers and advocates to support successful transitions for formerly incarcerated individuals.

The one-day event, organized by Moxie Creative Studios, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Golisano Community Engagement Center at Roberts Wesleyan University. The conference will feature keynote addresses, breakout sessions and panel discussions covering topics such as trauma-informed care, employment pathways, housing access and family reintegration.

“This conference is a call to action,” said Cathy Buckert, president of RAWNY’s board. “Reentry isn’t just about helping people after prison — it’s about strengthening families, reducing crime and building a more equitable future.”

Featured speakers include Thomas Gant, a statewide reentry advocate and mentor, and Tim Dougherty, a business leader and second-chance employment advocate who has experienced incarceration.

The conference is part of Reentry Week 2025, which also includes programming focused on employment, recovery, health and wellness, and housing. The week will feature the 6th Annual Friends for Hope Breakfast, hosted by Huther Doyle, with former NBA player Chris Herren as keynote speaker.

Tickets for the conference are now on sale. Sponsorship opportunities are available to help fund scholarships for formerly incarcerated individuals and students pursuing careers in reentry services.

For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/RAWNYReentryConnections2025.