Author: Eleanor J. Bader
Sammi Gerken, an early childhood educator, became a surrogate in late 2022 and found the experience rewarding. Fascinated by birth since childhood, Gerken decided to help a couple struggling with infertility after having her own child in 2021. She went through medical procedures to sustain the pregnancy but is glad she did it. Gerken maintains a close relationship with the receiving family even after the baby’s birth, highlighting the emotional connection surrogacy creates. However, efforts like Project 2025 aim to impose bans on abortion, contraceptives, IVF, and surrogacy, sparking outrage. The plan seeks to limit reproductive autonomy, raising concerns about…
When Oren Alperin was preparing for high school, their passion for theater led them to enroll at the prestigious Brooklyn High School of the Arts. As a junior, Alperin has immersed themselves in a curriculum that includes acting, playwriting, and world theater classes alongside traditional subjects. The experience at Brooklyn High School of the Arts has not only enhanced Alperin’s personal growth but also their academic skills. Collaborating with peers on projects like the play “Midnight Reunion,” Alperin has gained insight into community, trauma, and relationships through theater. 16-year-old Zavannah Deas echoes Alperin’s sentiments, highlighting how theater education has shaped…
Each year, around 600,000 individuals are released from various correctional facilities, facing challenges in finding housing, employment, and reconnecting with loved ones. Housing instability can lead to increased interactions with law enforcement, contributing to a cycle between homelessness and incarceration. John Bae, from the Vera Institute of Justice, emphasizes the importance of stable housing for successful reentry post-release. However, individuals with criminal records face difficulty finding shelter due to discriminatory rental policies and housing shortages. Recent initiatives like Fair Chance for Housing laws in New Jersey and certain cities, along with proposed HUD regulations, aim to address these challenges. These…