Jonathan Alvarez knows what it’s like to grow up within the criminal justice system. Before founding 914United, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing gang violence and recidivism among teens and adults, he spent 13 years behind bars and on parole. As a result, he has firsthand experience in the reintegration process that comes after time away and how lonely the journey can be. Out of this came the idea for 914United. With the help of friends and allies who also experienced time in prison, he was able to bring forth like-minded individuals who were looking to break the cycle and form healing bonds after such a life-altering experience.
Understanding the Depth of the Issue
Westchester County is often seen as composed of picturesque suburban towns that provide a haven right outside of the bustling city. The concept of poverty and gang violence can seem worlds away, but the reality is much more staggering. Just a few miles from the most affluent neighborhoods are individuals in the lower parts of the Hudson Valley plagued by poverty, systemic inequalities, and gang violence. As a result of parental incarceration, deportation, and the lure of street life—which promises the ability to make money fast—many youth, like Alvarez himself, spiral into a perilous path where survival depends on violence and law-breaking.
What changed Alvarez during his time in prison were the education and resources he was provided through the Bard Prison Initiative (associated with Bard College). “It’s something that rehabilitates incarcerated individuals. Tapping into that space, enhancing myself academically, helped me build my personal confidence. And it connected me to like-minded intellectuals,” Alvarez says.
Returning to the rhythm of everyday life after incarceration is often overwhelming. The experiences of one’s peers outside of prison often don’t match the world in which one has lived. Alvarez found himself unable to relate to the conversations and points of interest of those around him, many of whom were not educated or aware of certain realities or topics that he had grown accustomed to and found engaging. The journey back into society—in school and on parole—was painstaking and lonely.
“We have to normalize asking for help,” Alvarez says, “especially having done so much time in survival mode. We come home with this idea that we can be self-sufficient by ourselves, right? We can’t cry, we can’t, you know, we can’t dwell too much on what we feel—keep it pushing.”
Having peer support was integral in Alvarez’s recovery and paved the way for the creation of 914United. “It was those men I reached out to that I was comfortable with, and all of them stepping up in that group chat and calling me in the moment afterward gave me that revitalization, that empowerment of ‘You’re going to be all right,’” he says. “Yes, it’s hard right now. Yes, parole is still restricting your freedom. Yes, to all the different barriers. But you’re going to be all right. And sometimes—most times, and often—that is what we need when we have a tribe who’s telling us we’re going to be all right.”
914 United’s Approach: Blend Compassion and Strategy
With the help of cofounder John Cabrera, Alvarez started a nonprofit that implements transformative justice as the root philosophy behind its framework. Recently, Alvarez worked with kids coming out of state detention centers. “We work with them when they’re incarcerated to transform their thinking so that we can reduce their re-offending. That’s the work to reduce recidivism,” Alvarez says. “We work with them to change their thinking, connect them to support and resources, and mentor them to get them away from that lifestyle so that they don’t end up incarcerated.” 914United works with a broad range of age groups and understands that each has its own specific needs at any given time. Many within the organization work to help older adults find employment after their time in prison.
Another approach used is the “Credible Case Manager,” which integrates mentorship with case management and can serve as a lifeline and an empowering call to action. Participants are guided by mentors who have walked similar paths, which helps cultivate trust and mutual understanding. This also includes addressing urgent needs, such as access to adequate housing and employment, while nurturing these relationships.
Tackling Systemic Inequities Through 914United
The challenges to overcome these issues are not cut and dry. They require a hands-on approach and targeted investment that promotes equitable, sustainable growth without displacing existing residents. 914United has partnered with the Yonkers School District and SUNY’s EOC programs to provide comprehensive community engagement that also advocates for community-based policing, where the organizations are seen as forces of guidance rather than symbols of entrapment within the justice system.
914United is working to address and rehabilitate the lives of those who might easily become victims of their environment and circumstances. With the help of members of the Westchester community, 914United hopes to educate and bring to light the work it’s doing to transform lives.
For more information on 914United, visit its website and social media pages for updates, as well as information on the 914United film, which will be featured around Westchester within the coming months.
Related: 4 Community Organizations Making a Difference in Westchester
