Free Screening of "13th" at Pelham Picture House September 13 at 6pm

Photo: Christian Philemon (center, red tie) stands with the young men of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, a program that an alternative to incarceration. The organization will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2018. Photo credit: Reece Williams

On Wednesday, September 13, there will be a special screening of Ava DuVernay’s documentary, “13th” at the Pelham Picture House. The screening is part fundraiser and part awareness raiser for the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, which will celebrate its 40th year in service to youth in 2018. The event which begins at 6pm, includes the screening and a panel discussion, will offer light refreshments afterward. A donation of $25 minimum is requested. The Pelham Picture House is located at 175 Wolf’s Lane in Pelham.

“13th” is a raw and honest exploration of the historical context and trajectory of what we have now identified as the injustice of mass incarceration. Whether you have heard about it, or have seen the film, the panel discussion will offer a unique opportunity to become part of the local conversation with key stakeholders and local leaders about solutions for Westchester.

Panelists include: Glenn Martin, Founder of JustLeadership, USA; Kathie Davidson, Chief Administrative Judge, 9th Judicial District; Mayo Bartlett, Esq., a civil rights and criminal defense lawyer; and Jared Rice, Esq., New Rochelle City Council member. The panel discussion will be moderated by Laura Rossi, Executive Director of Westchester Community Foundation.

For almost 40 years, The Youth Shelter Program of Westchester has implemented a cost-effective way to remove local young people from the adult system of incarceration and truly rehabilitate them so they may become self-sufficient, contributing members of the community. With the recent victory in New York of passing Raise the Age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 18, the fight for youth in the system continues. Moving forward, the Shelter seeks to provide a program for young women and continue to serve young men ages 18-21 as well as enhance and expand their re-entry program with the proven model they have developed over the past 40 years.

For more information about the Shelter and to register to attend the film screening, visit www.ysow.org.