Exoneree Network
The Exoneree Network, a program of the New England Innocence Project, empowers people and families to heal and rebuild after the trauma of long-term incarceration. We envision a world where every person impacted by the criminal legal system receives immediate, comprehensive support in freedom.
Founded by Those Directly Impacted
While every release and reunion after years of wrongful incarceration is joyous, it is seldom easy.
In 2020, three Massachusetts exonerees, who collectively spent nearly 100 years in prison for crimes they did not commit, founded the Exoneree Network to offer a welcoming community and support to individuals returning home and their families. Since then, the Exoneree Network has grown to serve nearly 100 members throughout New England and remains unique in its approach and impact.
Sean Ellis
Director
21 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated
Exonerated 2021
Victor Rosario
Co-Founder
34 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated
Exonerated 2017
Ray Champagne
Co-Founder (In Memoriam)
41 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated
Exonerated 2020
“We’ve all gone through what they went through, so those people need to have someone to be there when they need it. Even if it’s just to cry, man, because life is just so frickin’ confusing to them, that’s OK too.”
— Ray Champagne (In Memoriam), Exoneree Network Co-Founder, 41 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated, Exonerated 2020
“We’ve all gone through what they went through, so those people need to have someone to be there when they need it. Even if it’s just to cry, man, because life is just so frickin’ confusing to them, that’s OK too.”
— Ray Champagne (In Memoriam), Exoneree Network Co-Founder Wrongfully Incarcerated for 41 Years, Exonerated 2020
what we do
Trauma-Informed Comprehensive Support
From housing to financial literacy and technological training, we provide end-to-end support to community members and their families.
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 Community with First-Hand Experience
We are proudly led by the experiences, perspectives, and voices of those directly impacted by the criminal legal system.
“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, 38 Years Wrongfully Imprisoned, Exonerated 2017
“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
our services
“Nobody can understand the struggle, the pain, the hurt, like another exoneree. For me, my community is the Exoneree community. That’s my family.”
— Nat Cosenza, Exoneree, 16 Years Wrongfully Imprisoned, Exonerated 2016
“Nobody can understand the struggle, the pain, the hurt, like another exoneree. For me, my community is the Exoneree community. That’s my family.”
— Nat Cosenza, Exoneree
Wrongfully Imprisoned for 16 Years, Exonerated 2016
our impact in 2025
1,344 Years Total
of Wrongful Imprisonment for People Receiving Services
$83K
Direct Cash Assistance Provided to Families
88
Individuals & Family Members Helped
58 Years Old
Average Age of People Receiving Services
29 Programs
Hosted by Exoneree Network
1,344 Years Total
of Wrongful Imprisonment for People Receiving Services
58 years old
Average Age of People Receiving Services
88
Individuals & Family Members Helped
$83K
Direct Cash Assistance Provided to Families
29 Programs
Hosted by Exoneree Network
“the exoneree network - to me - is monumental… there's a relatability that we have with one another, that we don't have with others.”
— Sean Ellis, Exoneree Network Director, Wrongfully Incarcerated for 21 Years, Exonerated 2021
“the exoneree network - to me - is monumental… there's a relatability that we have with one another, that we don't have with others.”
— Sean Ellis, Exoneree Network Director
Wrongfully Incarcerated for 21 Years, Exonerated 2021
Ways to Get Involved
Support Our Work
Help individuals and their families rebuild their lives after long-term incarceration through comprehensive support, connection, and community.
DONATE DIRECTLY TO EXONEREE NETWORK
Book a Speaker
Sharing stories is an important part of our healing process, and a chance to educate the larger community about the injustice taking place in our name.
For more information or to book a speaker from the Exoneree Network for your community event, classroom, or workplace, please send us an e-mail at en@newenglandinnocence.org.
Email UsBecome a Community Partner
We welcome values-aligned partners to support our work, our community, and our larger vision of creating a reentry ecosystem by sharing your organization's resources and expertise. Some examples of community partnerships include:
- Reentry Support Efforts: Build on your efforts to support directly impacted people by joining forces with us to build a reentry ecosystem so our community can thrive in freedom.
- In-Kind Donations: Provide helpful items, such as laptops, phones, home goods, professional equipment, and more. To learn how to make an in-kind donation, please visit Ways to Give.
- Professional Development: Provide financial and technology trainings, resume building, podcasting coaching, job training, and more.
- Corporate Sponsorship: Become a corporate sponsor of an event or program that supports the Exoneree Network and/or our community members.
To learn more about becoming a community partner, email en@newenglandinnocence.org.
Current & Past Partners
Partner Spotlight: Second Chance Cars
Thanks to Second Chance Cars, our community members have the life-changing opportunity to obtain an affordable used car!
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected to our community and learn more about how you can help exonerees and freed people as they rebuild.
Contact Us
For other inquiries, please email us at en@newenglandinnocence.org or call us at 617-945-0762.
Email Us
Read & Share our Latest News
"Me siento bien porque me siento que estoy contribuyendo a otras personas que sé que pasaron por el mismo, la misma situación, el mismo dolor que yo he pasado en todos estos 32 años. Y yo puedo convertir eso en tratar de ayudarlos a ellos a aliviar el problema de que ellos están atravesando."
"I feel good because I feel I'm contributing to help other people who went through the same situation, the same pain I went through for all those 32 years. And I can transform that into trying to help ease the trouble they are going through."
— Victor Rosario, Exoneree Network Co-Founder, 34 Years Wrongfully Incarcerated, Exonerated 2017
"Me siento bien porque me siento que estoy contribuyendo a otras personas que sé que pasaron por el mismo, la misma situación, el mismo dolor que yo he pasado en todos estos 32 años. Y yo puedo convertir eso en tratar de ayudarlos a ellos a aliviar el problema de que ellos están atravesando."
"I feel good because I feel I'm contributing to help other people who went through the same situation, the same pain I went through for all those 32 years. And I can transform that into trying to help ease the trouble they are going through."
— Victor Rosario, Exoneree Network Co-Founder
Wrongfully Incarcerated for 34 Years, Exonerated 2017
exoneree network staff
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Donate Directly to the Exoneree Network
Your Gift Fuels Rest, Safety, & Community Care
Every dollar directly strengthens the fabric of this community and ensures we have the support and belonging we deserve. Help individuals and their families rebuild their lives after long-term incarceration through comprehensive support, connection, and community.
New England Innocence Project is a qualified 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed under the law. EIN: 20-6187760
By donating to the New England Innocence Project, you will receive exoneree stories, case updates, and NEIP news and events in your e-mail inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
If you have any questions about supporting the New England Innocence Project or if you would like to make a donation by phone, please contact our development team: Sadie Blanco at sadie@newenglandinnocence.org or 617-249-4605