BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) - A Little Piece of Light, a Brooklyn-based organization, is offering a beacon of hope for formerly incarcerated women facing an uphill battle upon re-entry into society. The organization empowers women like Audrey Johnson, who has struggled with the transition after years in and out of prison due to drug use and childhood trauma.
"I've been incarcerated," Johnson admitted. "I've done three state bids, a few city bids. In and out of the system."
Now in recovery for 25 years, Johnson finds solace and strength in her journey. "Once I made the decision to put down the drugs, it changed my whole life," she shared.
However, upon release, she faced discrimination based on her past. "I felt like I was on a road to freedom, to release some of the trauma, but once I got with the organization, I realized when I opened up about my molestation … it released some pressure off of me," Johnson revealed.
This experience is unfortunately common for Black women leaving prison, who often face challenges finding housing and employment. However, there is a glimmer of hope. The state recently extended the window for individuals to file claims against unlawful discrimination from one year to three, providing more time for individuals like Johnson to seek legal recourse.
"We just want an opportunity, we want a chance," says Donna Hylton, the CEO of A Little Piece of Light. The organization supports individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, and Hylton sees the window extension as a critical step forward.
"It will allow us, hopefully, to have opportunities to maybe get housing, employment, get a babysitter, or do things that people who have not been impacted by the criminal legal system are able to do," she explained.
While lawmakers establish new legal frameworks, organizations like A Little Piece of Light are already providing safe spaces and programs designed to help individuals like Johnson heal from trauma and build life skills.
Hylton herself understands the challenges firsthand. "I went to prison for kidnapping and murder," she revealed. "People get stuck on 'you did this, you're a murderer, you're a kidnapper,' and I'm none of those. I'm a human being."
This understanding fuels her work. Hylton leads a community of organizers, many of whom have been directly impacted by the system, advocating for reform. "We're human beings," she emphasized. "People who have been impacted by the criminal legal system are human beings as well, but give them an opportunity."
With organizations like A Little Piece of Light weaving opportunity into the fabric of reform, a new dawn is emerging. Individuals like Johnson can now be judged not by past mistakes but by their potential for a brighter future. "I have a lot of gratitude," she expressed, her voice filled with hope.
For more information on the organization, you can visit A Little Piece of Light's website.
