The new storefront office is accessible in more ways that just its location. While most court functions and offices close at 5pm, arraignment proceedings can go much longer into the night. The new ground floor location will allow QSR staff to assist individuals immediately when they're assigned to the program no matter the time of day.

“We know that the court operates late, is open on weekends, and the participants are being released all the way up to one o'clock in the morning,” Program Associate Manilla Piverger said. “This space provides them with a comfortable clean space where they can express their needs, and we can find a way to meet those needs.” Having a community-based team who are willing to work flexible hours is also critical for ongoing participants who, because of work or familial obligations, may not be able to make appointments during the work day. “We have participants who work long hours and unpredictable schedules. Someone in construction or HVAC might work until 6 or 9 PM. People might be driving between different boroughs. So every week we'll try to figure out a time where we can meet” said Narisa.

Though the Supervised Release Program initially served people charged with non-violent offenses or misdemeanors, in recent years the courts have assigned more people with higher level charges to the program. These participants are more likely to be grappling with pressing issues surrounding mental health, housing, and employment, and may have a history of involvement with the criminal legal system. QSR staff often address the needs of these participants by referring them to partner organizations and services around the city that can help. Recently CJA has begun hiring in-house specialists that have been trained to focus on very specific needs, such as housing. One of our specialist lines is also responsible for creating an individualized treatment plan for the individual that can lead to a continuum of care even after they are no longer with the Supervised Release program.

Tanaya Richardson serves as a Client Care Coordinator, a newly created role that provides participants with “whatever they're looking for,” as she puts it. “Maybe they're trying to find a babysitting service for their kid so they can come to court. A participant is trying to figure out their healthcare benefits or immigration status. These things take time to research that the Case Managers don’t always have so that’s where I step in.”

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