SOMERS, N.Y. - Somers’ Tracy Racicot was among three women honored recently by the Westchester County Department of Correction for bringing “support, hope, and healing” to its incarcerated residents.
Racicot is director of the Southern Westchester BOCES Center for Adult and Community Services.
The other two honorees were Allison Turcan, a North Salem resident and founder/executive director of D.I.G. Farm, and Peekskill’s Lisa Zarkower, confidential assistant to SWBOCES’ director of educational programs.
About 40 residents of the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla and 30 staff members attended the Women’s History Month event.
The program centered on this year’s national theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”
The celebration highlighted the role women play in advancing progress across environmental, educational and social areas while encouraging participants to reflect on their own paths forward.
LIFELONG TEACHER/LEARNER
Racicot was recognized for expanding educational opportunities, including high school equivalency programs, English as a New Language instruction, and workforce training initiatives.
Her work has also helped carve employment pathways through programs such as HVAC-R training.
Racicot has more than 30 years of public service in education and training under her belt.
In her current role, she leads adult literacy and job training programs.
Racicot previously worked in the state’s Capital Region and in northern Vermont as a career technical education program director for adults and teens.
She also served on the Columbia-Greene Workforce Investment Board for nine years.
Racicot is certified as both a school administrator and supervisor.
In 2014, she was recognized by the state Senate as a “Woman of Distinction” for her contributions to education and her work as a community volunteer.
According to Racicot, a “full-blown” high school exists at the jail and BOCES programs are offered to residents ages 18 and up.
Students can work toward a Regents diploma or a GED, she said, noting that a formal education is just one part of the deal.
The goal is to instill “a sense of ability to change and grow and learn in your life,” Racicot explained.
Proud to be a “lifelong learner” herself, she strives to model that philosophy.
Even if they’ve made some poor choices along the way, that doesn’t mean that it’s game over.
All it takes is accepting that there are people who see -- and believe in -- them, she said, adding: “So many had so little support in their life, that’s why they landed where they are.”
Praising her BOCES team as “amazing,” Racicot said Zarkower is great at “building relationships.”
Zarkower was lauded by the DOC for coordinating educational services, ensuring residents are properly assessed and enrolled, and supporting daily program operations.
Calling the DOC “such a good partner, Racicot said its programs and initiatives at the jail “really are making a difference.”
The agency’s long-term goal is to “rehabilitate, not punish,” she said, adding that she’s “very proud” to be part of that.
As an example, Racicot pointed to a young man who was recently released and who, because of that guidance and support, is now training to be an electrician.
SEEDS FOR CHANGE
Turcan is also the facilitator of D.I.G.’s Seeds for Change Project, a garden and nature-based program for incarcerated women and women recently returning to society.
Located at the Westchester County Jail, it gives “the ladies” the chance to learn while they grow veggies, fruit, and fresh herbs, Turcan said.
They also can consume and share the yummy results of their labors. Think pesto and smoothies.
Last season, they grew a “mammoth” sunflower with a seed-packed head the size of “a large pizza,” she said. They saved the seeds for planting later.
When the women are in the garden, they’re engaged and “peaceful,” she said, adding that plans are in the works for a garden for youth offenders and for male inmates.
D.I.G., which stands for Dealing in Good, is a nonprofit teaching farm located on June Road in North Salem.
Honored to have been recognized for her work by the WCDOC, Turcan shed tears of joy when one of the residents read a letter talking about how “transformative” her experience had been.
She also wrote that it was “fun to finally get over her fear of bugs.”
PATHS FORWARD
The celebration highlighted the role women play in advancing progress across environmental, educational and social areas.
As part of the program, residents researched influential women who contributed to a more sustainable future, reinforcing the initiative’s educational and rehabilitative focus.
“It is an honor and privilege to formally recognize three remarkable women who, through their dedication and tireless work, continue to bring support, hope and healing to the residents at WCDOC,” said County Executive Ken Jenkins.
“It is truly gratifying to recognize three outstanding women who consistently go above and beyond in service to others. Their dedication exemplifies the kind of work that can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve,” said Westchester County Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano.
“Tracy, Lisa and Allison are true agents of positive change, helping to shape a more sustainable future,” he told residents, adding that the work they did “while in our care will directly impact your future and that of your families.”
He urged them to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you and commit to overcoming the challenges that brought you here.”
“This uplifting celebration not only honored the selfless and meaningful efforts of three dynamic women and agents of positive change but also demonstrated WCDOC’s commitment to supporting incarcerated individuals,” said county Legislator Terry Clements, who represents District 11 (Pelham, Pelham Manor, and parts of New Rochelle.)
The keynote speaker was retired Assistant Warden LaFonda Spaulding, who served more than 33 years with WCDOC, including three years as warden of the women’s unit.
Spaulding has long advocated for addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women and supporting their rehabilitation and successful reentry, the WCDOC said.
At the ceremony, she encouraged residents to stay committed to personal growth and to take advantage of available support systems.
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