In New York’s women’s prisons, summer brings oppressive heat. Incarcerated women — the majority of whom are survivors of domestic abuse or other gender-based violence — live in concrete cells with little air flow, creating unbearable and hazardous conditions. There is no air conditioning, and ice distribution has been inconsistent in the worst of the heat. At Taconic Correctional Facility, located in Westchester, New York, incarcerated women have long raised alarms about this health crisis.

This summer, Sanctuary’s Incarcerated Gender Violence Survivors Initiative (IGVSI) responded.

Working with the New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), IGVSI arranged for a direct donation to the incarcerated women at Taconic of:

• 200 high-quality fans, ensuring every incarcerated woman at Taconic has access to essential heat relief in their cell; and
• 36 insulated coolers to support consistent and equitable ice distribution throughout the facility.

This donation was made possible by contributions from two of IGVSI’s long-time supporters: IGVSI co-founder Richard Rothman and former Sanctuary Board President Denis McInerney.

The fans and coolers were delivered on August 15, 2025, and were quickly distributed throughout the facility. The impact was immediate.

One IGVSI client shared this note of thanks:

“PLEASE let everyone know… [the donation] was a true miracle… We had just read an article on our Newsstand that explained that ‘In the U.S., heat kills more people than all other weather events combined’… and that ‘it is easy to underestimate how dangerous prolonged exposure to heat can be.’ Literally, people were starting to freak out by the heat, and then from heaven came these fans — AWESOME!!! And they are gorgeous. They really, really cool our cells.”

This response reaffirms a core belief at IGVSI: immediate relief transforms lives. Thoughtful, tangible actions not only improve daily conditions but also show survivors they are valued and supported.

At IGVSI, we will continue advocating for structural changes at New York’s women’s prisons: better climate control, legal reforms, and more humane and safe conditions.

How IGVSI Fights for Freedom

Emergency relief like this summer’s fan donation is just one piece of IGVSI‘s comprehensive approach. Our primary focus remains securing the release of criminalized survivors.

We help survivors tell their stories, document the impacts of trauma, and develop comprehensive reentry plans that set them up for success.

We also advocate for laws and policies that recognize the realities of domestic violence within the criminal legal system.

Our commitment doesn’t end at the prison gates. Whether it’s preparing a parole packet, filing a DVSJA motion, or delivering a fan in the middle of a heatwave, our work is grounded in one principle: every survivor deserves a chance to heal and rebuild.

What You Can Do

Share this post to spread the word: more people knowing means more potential support.

• Consider donating so we can continue both responsive actions, like the fan donation and systemic legal work. Make a gift here.
• Follow us, stay updated, and stay in community with survivors.

Every act of support — big or small — matters.

IGVSI is a project of Sanctuary for Families.

Learn more or get involved at sanctuaryforfamilies.org and www.igvsi.org