exoneree network
While every release and reunion after years of wrongful incarceration is joyous, it is seldom easy. Since there is no existing infrastructure to assist an innocent person returning home after decades in prison for a crime they did not commit, exonerees and freed people must rebuild from almost nothing.
founded in 2020
Exoneree Network was founded by three Massachusetts exonerees – Sean Ellis, Victor Rosario, and Ray Champagne, who collectively spent nearly 100 years in prison for crimes they did not commit— the Exoneree Network has grown to serve nearly 100 members.
“Nobody can understand the struggle, the pain, the hurt like another exoneree.”
— Nat Cosenza, Exoneration #2129
“I had to learn how to write a check and how to pay rent... It's been a lot of challenges for me just trying to… establish a whole new life after spending almost 40 years in prison.”
— Fred Clay, Exoneree
Wrongfully Imprisoned for 38 Years, Exonerated 2017
what we do
Provide Comprehensive Support
From housing assistance and mental health support to financial literacy and technological training, we help our community members and their families to heal and rebuild in freedom.
Educate and Fight for Change
We share our stories, show up in court, and fight for policy changes that uplift community members, restore dignity, and instill hope.
Led by Experts
We are proudly led by the experiences, perspectives, and voices of those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
“Spending so many years behind the wall, the Exoneree Network has become like family. A support system is absolutely vital for people getting out.”
— Exoneree Network Community Member
our services
financial empowerment
“Freedom Packages”: Laptop, Cell Phone, Phone Plan
Immediate Financial Support
New Life Seasonal Stipend
Financial Coaching & Literacy Trainings
housing assistance
Rental Subsidies
Short-Term/Transitional Housing
Social Service Advocate Support
5-Bedroom “Freedom” House Offering Independent Housing
navigating a new world
Job Training
Assistance getting IDs, Benefits
Connecting to Health Providers
Technology Training
Transportation
Social Service Advocate Support
Mental Wellness & Community Building
Monthly Facilitated Healing Circles
Cognitive Behavioral Theory Training
Wellbeing Retreat
Community Events & Fellowship
Individual Support & Referrals
Advocacy Efforts & Court Support
Speaking Opportunities
Helping Families
Wrongful convictions and long-term incarceration are deeply traumatic, not just for the individual, but for families too
The Exoneree Network is unique in that we offer support and services to family members as well
“there's a connection that we have, there's a relatability that we have with one another, that we don't have with others.”
— Sean Ellis, Director of the Exoneree Network, Exonerated 2021
"At the Exoneree Network, we aren’t caseworkers or clients—we’re a community. We don’t operate from a savior mindset. We operate from solidarity. Everyone on staff knows what it’s like to carry the label of ‘exoneree’ or ‘formerly incarcerated.’ We bring that experience into every decision we make. That’s how we’ve built something real.”
— Sean Graham, Community Reentry & Program Specialist, Exoneree Network
our impact in 2025
latest news
ways to get involved
become a community partner
Community partnerships for goods and services, eg. laptops and phone donations, financial literacy, storytelling and public speaking, job/tech training, resume building, etc. [should cross-talk with Ways to Give, perhaps In-Kind section]. Sponsor an event and/or business partner for a percentage of proceeds to EN.
book a speaker
For more information or to book a speaker for your event, please send us an e-mail at en@newenglandinnocence.org.
support our work
Support and empower people to heal and rebuild in freedom today!https://secure.qgiv.com/for/exonereenetwork/
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exoneree network staff
Your support means everything.
Supporting this work enables people who have suffered so much to build a future in freedom, become active in their communities, and create memorable moments—such as raising children, holding their grandchildren, reuniting with their partners, mourning those they have lost while incarcerated, and spending cherished time with their families.
