Jacqueline Watkins featured in Newsday November 28, 2021
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Diane Gaines News 12 interview June 21, 2019
Mother's Day, May 12, 2019, Rev. Suzanne Moshett's 1st sermon as Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Babylon, NY.
Exhorter Jacquline Watkins 1st sermon, Women's Day, October 14, 2018 at Bethel A.M.E. Church of Babylon N.Y.
Rev. Leonard Davis Radio Interview with Rev. Thomas Humprey, "The Lion Roar" September 25, 2018
Diane Gaines News 12 Worc Program Interview February, 23, 2018
HEMPSTEAD - A former convict credits a Nassau program with giving her a second chance.
Nefertiti Garnett spent seven years in upstate prison for identity theft and stealing money. Once out of prison, she was arrested again in Nassau County for driving without a license. Instead of being locked up, a judge ordered the 40-year-old to go to the Woman's Opportunity Rehabilitation Center in Hempstead.
WORC is an educational and vocational program aimed at helping women avoid jail time or get back on their feet after serving time behind bars. The program is six months. Those who take part in it learn computer skills and life skills. They also go through counseling and substance abuse treatment. The program is run by Diane Gaines.
“It’s a very structured program but it's a very nurturing and supportive program,” says Gaines. “A lot of women that come through this program have never had this type of support. They never had this type of guidance and they need the structure.”
“I feel like I have my life back because of her,” says Garnett. “Honestly, I can’t thank her enough.”
There are currently 13 women in the WORC program, and 12 of them avoided jail time.
But not all women graduate. Last year, 71 women were accepted
into the program but more than half didn't successfully make it through.
“The idea is it's a two-way street,” says Nassau DA Madeline Singas. “We very much want these women to succeed but if they can't succeed then they will be held accountable according to the original
deal “
The WORC program has been around for more than 25 years and more than 1,000 women have benefited from it.
Nefertiti, who is now working in construction, had a message
to women going through WORC.
“We all did something wrong - and you do have to pay for what you do,” she said. “But if she's willing to give you another chance, why not take that chance and do better?”
Rev. Leonard Davis Radio Interview with Rev. Thomas Humprey, "The Lion Roar" February 6, 2018
Bethel A.M.E. Church - Huntington, NY - Newsday Article - December 26, 2017
Borne Out of Racism...
Our very own Sis. Diane Gaines, Director of Nassau County based, Women Opportunity Center was featured in an article published online by Long Island Press October 22, 2015.
(Please view/download PDF)
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Diane Gaines recently named one of Long Islands 50 Most Influential People
The article below was published in the 13th Annual Long Island Press Powerlist magazine. Published in the last quarter of 2015.
Diane Gaines also received the Distinguished Community Service Award in March, 2016 by the Key Women of America, Inc.
(Article can be read in PDF file below)
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Sara Banks was recently hornored by Good Samaritan Hospital
The Guilds of Good Samaritan Hospital held it's Fifty Seventh Annual Volunteer Awards Luncheon, Monday, April 11, 2016.
The booklet can be viewed by clicking the PDF file below.
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