News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 27, 2022

Mary Mary Visits Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) on Rikers Island

Award winning gospel group performed a one hour set for young adults and staff members

East Elmhurst, NY – Gospel superstars Mary Mary performed at the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island on July 26, 2022. Their performance was part of the department’s commitment to provide faith-based programming to people in custody.

The Department of Programs and Community Partnerships at the Department of Correction are responsible for providing quality and substantive programming to individuals in custody with the intention of giving them the tools necessary to be successful upon return to their communities.

"To build a safer and healthier city, we must invest in upstream solutions-- including on Rikers Island," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. "Commissioner Molina's introduction of programming, including music programs like the performance yesterday, are critical to the well-being of the young people in our custody. I'm grateful to Mary Mary for their visit and look forward to continued investment in the future of all people in our care."

“We are honored that Mary Mary and their team took time out of their busy schedules to perform for the young adults in our custody,” said DOC Commissioner Louis Molina. “Faith-based programming is a key part of my plan to foster a sense of hope and redemption for the people entrusted in our care”.

“Programming is an integral part of our mission to keep people in our custody safe”, said Deputy Commissioner for Programming and Community Partnerships, Francis Torres. “Anytime we can have individuals actively engaged in activities that reduce their idle time and provide them with a source of inspiration, we are less likely to see them commit acts of violence in our jails. I want to thank Mary Mary for partnering with the Department of Correction for this event”.

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The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment while providing individuals in our care with a path to successfully re-enter their communities.