Prisoners are less likely to commit crimes once they are released if they’ve stayed connected to their families and communities.

An organization called Prison Families of New York State was based in Albany for a quarter-century.

A new organization, Friends in the Adirondacks, offers hospitality to visiting families of people who are incarcerated in the North Country. The organization’s other mission, said co-founder Martha Swan, is to open hearts and minds of local residents.