St. John’s University Partnership - New Road to Brooklyn
Thrive For Life is transforming lives behind and beyond the prison walls. In 2019, we opened Ignacio House, the country’s only transitional living house for people who have started the good work of college education. Our resident scholars continue this life transforming work together in community while receiving a continuity of care that allows our brothers to permanently and successfully re-enter society. Integral to this work are our many university partners who offer quality coursework behind the walls and open their doors to returning students to continue their education journeys. Today, we are excited to welcome St. John’s University in Queens to our family of partners!
This past week, Thrive For Life had the privilege of welcoming Fr. Brian Shanley, O.P., President of St. John’s University, to our house of studies in the Bronx. Fr. Shanley and his team heard testimonies from our resident scholars about their experiences as students at our other partner universities and the effect their studies had on their lives behind and beyond the walls. After touring our home, Fr. Shanley agreed to partner with Thrive For Life to provide pathways to degree-bearing programs and scholarships for returning citizens at St. John’s. Over the coming weeks and months, his team will collaborate with Fr. Zach and Thrive For Life to leverage this exciting partnership to open a new Ignacio House community in Queens within the Diocese of Brooklyn. In collaboration with the Passionist Fathers, we will embark on a new journey to bring our successful Ignacio House model into the Diocese of Brooklyn. With the restoration of Pell Grants and NYS TAP funding for students behind the walls, the need has never been greater for supportive and transitional living communities for returning students. We look forward to taking on this challenge with the great educators at St. John’s.
St. John’s is the ideal partner in our expansion into the Diocese of Brooklyn. A Catholic institution rooted in the traditions of the Vincentians, St. John’s rears purpose-driven leaders that strive to enrich the souls and lives of others. The university offers a wide range of degree programs at all levels across many disciplines and includes many notable alumni such as former New York Governor Mario Cuomo and current Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Robert Brennan. As we continue to leverage over 200+ new faith communities in the Diocese, we are glad to have the backing of St. John’s in the important work of transforming lives behind and beyond the prison walls.
Special thanks are owed to Fr. President Brian Shanley, Dr. Andre McKenzie, Professor Judith Ryder, Professor Joanne Carroll, Lawrence Posey, and Jerrel Gantt for their care for our mission and collaboration. Let us celebrate and pray that our partnership bears many fruits!