Boston: Mayor Wu Announces Award of $105,000 in Mini Grants to Reentry Organizations; Appoints Ashley Montgomery Executive Director for the Office of Returning Citizens

Trending...
~ Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has announced the award of $105,000 in mini-grants to 21 reentry organizations in the city. This funding will support the efforts of these organizations to assist individuals returning to Boston from incarceration and address the inequitable harms of incarceration. In addition, Mayor Wu has appointed Ashley Montgomery as the new Executive Director for the Office of Returning Citizens (ORC).

As Executive Director, Montgomery will lead the department's efforts to expand resources and services for returning citizens. She will also have the primary responsibility of driving the ORC's vision and managing its day-to-day operations. The ORC is housed within the Mayor's Office of Human Services, led by Chief José F. Massó.

Mayor Wu expressed her gratitude for having Montgomery on board as the new Executive Director, stating that her experience in supporting individuals with substance use disorder and reducing recidivism proves her ability to advocate for and improve the lives of people reentering society.

The mission of the ORC is to help returning citizens recover from the trauma of incarceration, reclaim their dignity and purpose, and rebuild their lives through positive choices, incentives, and opportunities. The office aims to empower its clients to break the cycle of recidivism through hands-on case management and an extensive provider referral network.

More on Boston Chron
Chief José F. Massó also expressed excitement about Montgomery's appointment, stating that her deep experience in service delivery and commitment to helping formerly incarcerated residents will be a significant benefit to the office.

In accepting her new role as Executive Director for returning citizens, Montgomery stated that she is honored and committed to restoring dignity and opportunities for individuals who have faced challenges in their past. She also emphasized her dedication to fostering a collaborative environment where community partners unite to support formerly incarcerated individuals.

The ORC provides services to over 3,000 people who return to Boston each year from federal, state, and county prisons and jails. These services include case management, peer mentorships, and referrals to key programs and services such as transitional housing, employment, healthcare, education, and legal services. Since its inception in 2017, the number of yearly clients served by the office has increased by more than 700%.

For Fiscal Year 2025, the Office of Returning Citizens has a $2.3 million operating budget. The office has grown from two to seven staff in the past two fiscal years and is currently hiring for four open positions. In addition to funding community-based partners that serve returning citizens, the ORC has also granted over $2 million in city funds since FY23.

More on Boston Chron
The latest round of funding will support 21 non-profit organizations in Boston that offer various supports and services to returning citizens. These include housing, entrepreneurship education, clothing, family reunification, and legal advocacy. The grants range in size from $3,500 to $7,000.

Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, Montgomery served as the Chief of Staff and Interim Executive Director of the Office of Returning Citizens. She also worked for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for thirteen years in various roles focused on addressing complex societal challenges such as substance addiction and recidivism.

With Montgomery's leadership and dedication to public service, the ORC is poised to continue making a positive impact on the lives of returning citizens in Boston.

Filed Under: Government, City
Show All News | Report Violation

0 Comments

Latest on Boston Chron