Founded in 2002 by Terrence Stevens, a native of Harlem NYC, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, virtually paralyzed from neck down and is reliant on a power wheelchair. His spine is bent, and his breathing is labored. In 1992, despite his condition, Terrence was unjustly sentenced to 15-years-to-life for a first time, low-level, nonviolent offense. He served 10 years in maximum security prison under the Rockefeller Laws before receiving clemency in 2001. He knows too well the stories of the injustice system as well as the impact parental incarceration has on children.
To date for 18+ straight years Mr. Stevens has been on a mission. Although stricken with what many may deem as severe limitations; he does not see his situation through similar lens. On the contrary, he has not allowed these challenges to deter his passion and commitment to serving this unique and vulnerable population. IAR serves as a beacon of hope to children and families in under-served communities impacted by the justice system.
Nina Rosenblum Tarrence Stevens Henry Lord Gates jr
Retired nyc late Supreme court judge Jerry Marks ( release dinner party)In Arms Reach (IAR), a community-based grassroots 501c 3 organization located at the prestigious CUNY School of Medicine provides low-income disengaged youth, children and families of incarcerated parents ages 6-21 with academic enrichment, high performing mentorship, STEM exposure, college prep, mental health guidance and holistic support services.
IAR is uniquely located to instill an empowering, yet academic friendly atmosphere that allows children and families to deal positively with the social ills of society and comfort youth to break their silence about having a loved one who is incarcerated. At IAR, we create a platform where participants can speak openly about their family histories to help digest any feelings of anger, sorrow, and frustration.
Our goal is to introduce new educational resources to in a collegiate setting, normalize education beyond high school, and spark the imagination and conversations about their future.
Dr. J. Josma, MD was inspired by IAR and joined the organization as a tutor and mentor during his years of med school. He graduated from New York Medical College. After his career settled, Dr. Carpenter returned to IAR to give back to communities and joined as a board of director member
Dr. Dani Mc Beth, PhD is Associate Medical Professor and Dean of Student Affairs. He teaches major portions of the basic microbiology and bacteriology portions of the Medical Microbiology etc., for both medical students and physician's assistants’ students. He is involved in advising students on a variety of issues, through the matching process to the final two years of medical school.
Dr. G. Carpenter, MD was inspired by IAR and joined the IAR organization as a tutor and mentor during his years of med school. Dr. Carpenter pursued medical studies at SUNY Downstate Medical Center where he received his MD. He completed residency in Internal Medicine at Winthrop University Hospital and has been a member of the American College of Physicians. After his career settled, Dr. Carpenter returned to IAR to give back to communities and joined as a board of director member.
Mr. Stevens is a physically challenge Founder of IAR, formerly incarcerated advocate for social justice change and mass incarceration on communities of color. A mobilizer for under resourced communities with over 18 years’ experience, innovative approaches to management and leadership on issues surrounding the prison industrial complex. Experience and expertise in developing community impact strategies, STEM initiatives, nonprofit relations, grassroots organizing and volunteer engagement. Experienced in managing multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously.
Elliot H. Levine, CPA and a graduate of Queens College, City University of New York. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Levine's work experience includes five years at Arthur Young, eleven and a half years as partner and director of taxes of Leslie Sufrin & Co. P.C., a one-year tenure as senior tax manager at Margolin, Winer & Evans CPAs and over 16 years as senior member of Levine & Seltzer.
IAR mission is to engage under-resourced communities, marginalized youth and those impacted by the justice system by helping to improve educational opportunities and advancement, promote social and emotional learning, strengthen family and community ties, and to break the cycle of inter-generational incarceration.
