“Without Fedcap believing in me, none of this would be possible” 

Zulay’s journey from leaving the justice system to returning to the jail that once held her as a mentor to others, is the next chapter in our Inspiring Change series. 

By sharing her lived experience with inmates at Rikers Island prison in New York, Zulay is inspiring people to change their lives on release. 

Five years ago, Zulay was released from Rikers Island prison. Scared and confused, she was introduced to Fedcap who supported her to integrate back into her community of Queens. 

The chance to join us as a re-entry mentor gave Zulay the opportunity to use her lived experience to support others facing the very same situation she had once been in.  

Her boldest step was to return to Rikers Island to work directly with people preparing to leave the justice system with the aim of positively reintegrating them to their communities.  

Zulay said: “When I meet people in Rikers and say I used to be in here, I know where you’re coming from, they say ‘For real? You’re in here talking to me? Wow, I want to do what you do’. 

“I tell them they’ve got to work. Change is always possible. You’ve got to want to do it. 

“I never expected to be sitting here. It feels so good at this stage of my life right now.  

“Fedcap kept me out of trouble, kept me focused and got me elevated. I’m very motivated. This is not my last stop. I’m planning to study for a degree and become a social worker or an educator and work with kids. 

“I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t get introduced to Fedcap, but I do know that without Fedcap believing in me, none of this would be possible. 

“I’m grateful for everything Fedcap has helped me with and continues to help me strive for.”