Creating Space for Reflection on Rikers: Samantha Becerra

Samantha Becerra joined the Providence House team in early 2025 after completing her undergraduate degree, stepping into the newly created role of Outreach Coordinator on our Women’s Justice Program (WJP) team. In this pioneering position, she splits her time between our WJP residences and Rikers Island.

At Rikers, Samantha facilitates journaling groups for 12–15 women twice a week. These sessions offer participants a meaningful moment of self-reflection — a chance to slow down, process their thoughts, and give voice to their experiences. Using a series of simple yet thoughtful prompts she has developed over the past year, Samantha emphasizes the power of the writing process itself rather than the creation of a polished final piece. Each session begins with a recap of prior conversations and the introduction of new vocabulary words to help spark ideas and get the words flowing. The result is a space that feels grounded, creative, and deeply affirming.

While Samantha’s primary role is to advocate for Providence House, for many of the women she meets she is also one of the first people — beyond their initial meeting with a social worker — who brings genuine insight into the realities of the jail and justice system. She works closely with participants to connect them to outside resources they may not know about or may not know how to access. Through her consistent presence, she becomes a trusted guide, helping women navigate the system and prepare for life after incarceration, whether that means securing housing, finding a transitional program like ours, or participating in job readiness workshops.

"I am not here to serve as an authoritative figure, but rather to provide resources and tools that support them in making positive choices and reducing the likelihood of reoffending and returning to jail."

Samantha carries forward the Providence House legacy of meeting each woman as an individual — with unique strengths, needs, and inherent dignity. We are incredibly proud to have her as a member of our Women’s Justice Program team.