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 Purchase, NY - Two ex-inmates Julio Medina and Bryce Rudert will discuss re-entering society at the Purchase College John Howard Lecture on Law and Justice on Tuesday, October 14 at 4:30 PM in room 1001 of the Natural and Social Sciences building. Admission is Free.
Julio Medina, founder and Executive Director of Exodus Transitional Community was incarcerated for 12 years. The Bronx native grew up in an environment in which drug traffic flourished and drug dealers seemed to be the only ones enjoying prosperity. He began selling marijuana and cocaine in his teens and was an adept salesman with a steady clientele. Drug arrests and a conviction in his early 20’s led to a sentence of 7 years to life.
While in Sing Sing he re-examined his life and began his education. He eventually earned a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Albany and a Masters Degree from New York Theological Seminary. He did not anticipate the problems he encountered in finding and holding a job after his eventual release. In 1999 he opened Exodus Transitional Community, an organization devoted to saving lives by helping ex-offenders develop the skills, attitudes and habits necessary for re-integration into society.
Bryce Rudert, Elmont, New York, spent more than 20 years in prison. He used his time there to earn a Bachelors degree in English and Philosophy, and two Masters degrees. He is currently a social worker and case manager with an agency providing services for clients with HIV/AIDS.
Of the more than 60,000 inmates in New York who will eventually be released, most lack job skills or an education. Many will return to prison for new crimes committed. The public bears the cost and has a stake in making the transition from prison to society work. Julio Medina and Bryce Rudert will discuss how the system can work more effectively for them and for those in prison.
Purchase College is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase, New York.
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