NY State Senator Velmanette Montgomery visits the Justice Center

The Red Hook Community Justice Center welcomed a very exciting visitor today, New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery.

Senator Montgomery commended the Justice Center on its new mural and met with young people who are participating in Red Hook’s summer internship program. The internship program trains high school students and places them in internships throughout South Brooklyn. Senator Montgomery described the center as being “a special place,” and an example of a unique type of court system that she is working to replicate throughout New York State. She admired the mural and remarked on the fact that it tells a story, thus giving a voice to the young people who created it.

Judge Alex Calabrese thanked the senator for her support and spoke about how the mural is a permanent reminder of Red Hook’s mission. The word, transform, appears front and center in the mural, while also playing a key role in the justice system. Judge Calabrese remarked that transformation is a critical step for getting back on track after involvement with the court. The Justice Center recognizes people’s ability to transform by connecting them to the resources and tools they need to do so.

We are thrilled to be able to share our new mural with Senator Montgomery and we thank her for taking the time to come see the work we do here in Red Hook!

Sen. Velmanette Montgomery, Judge Alex Calabrese, and Red Hook High School Summer Interns

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