Center For Justice & Economic Advancement (JFF)

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce that the #NormalizingOpportunity advocacy campaign artwork will be featured in the #Senate Rotunda next week! 🎉 Created by artist and advocate Brandan "BMike" Odums, the artwork highlights the powerful stories of icons Susan Burton, Mac Phipps, and John Gargano. These inspiring individuals use their lived experiences to advocate for policy changes that dismantle barriers and ensure people with records have access to #qualityjobs and economic advancement. 🔗 Learn more about the campaign: https://lnkd.in/epTQB7G4 Don't miss this inspiring display! If you're in the #DC area or attending #JFFHorizons, be sure to check it out. #ThankYou to Senator Cory Booker for hosting the artwork and making this exhibit possible. #JFFImpact #FairChance #Capitol

🚀 Meet Louis Ihrig! 🚀 We're happy to introduce Horizons CJEA Fellow Louis Ihrig! A #veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Louis is dedicated to advocacy work aimed at changing laws to remove barriers for people with records. In his free time, Louis volunteers as a puppy raiser. His dedication to service and #community continues to make a positive #impact. 🐾 🌍 Join us in welcoming Louis as an inaugural fellow! Stay tuned as we continue to highlight inspiring individuals who are making a difference! #JFFHorizons #FairChance #NormalizingOpportunity #JFFImpact

🎉 We’ve Hit 1,000 Followers! 🎉 A huge #ThankYou to all of our amazing followers for helping us reach this milestone! Your support and engagement are vital to our mission of ensuring people with records have access to #education and #qualityjobs. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🚀 Continue to engage with our content, share your thoughts, and help us #NormalizeOpportunity for everyone. Together, we can help reach the #JFFNorthStar and make a lasting impact for millions of people. #JFFImpact #FairChance

🌟 Introducing Michaela “Mehaa” Martin! 🌟 Meet Michaela “Mehaa” Martin, a passionate advocate drawing on her personal and professional experiences to serve communities. Mehaa serves in multiple impactful roles, including as a career services specialist with Goodwill Southern California, a facilitator with the Prison Education Project, an ambassador with the Underground Scholars Inc. program at the University of California, Riverside, a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Foster Youth Institute, and, arguably her most important role, a #mom. Mehaa has collaborated with California #policymakers to pass #legislation supporting foster youth and is a member of the 2024 Congressional Leadership Academy (https://hubs.la/Q02G-cw50). Join us in celebrating Mehaa's remarkable journey and supporting her mission to create a more equitable future for all. 🌍 👩🎓 Stay tuned as we continue to introduce our 2024 Horizons CJEA Fellows! #JFFHorizons #FairChance #NormalizingOpportunity #JFFImpact

🌟 Introducing Kelly Gilliss! 🌟 Meet Kelly Gilliss, one of our 2024 Horizons CJEA Fellows! Kelly currently works in the Office of Records and Registration at the University of Baltimore, where he has played a crucial role in implementing the university’s Second Chance Pell Grant Program (UBSCCPP). As an “inside facilitator,” Kelly has been instrumental in helping fellow students, faculty, and staff navigate the complex world of #prisoneducation. Since his release from incarceration, he has supported the UBSCCP mission by volunteering as a technology consultant and team member. We're excited to welcome Kelly as a member of the inaugural Horizons CJEA Fellows! #JFFHorizons #NormalizingOpportunity #FairChance #JFFImpact

🎓🗞️ Stay Informed with our Normalizing Education newsletter! What’s Inside? ➡️ Resources: Access to valuable tools and materials create by field experts to support your work in #prisoneducation. ➡️ First-Person Blogs: Insightful blogs from individuals directly impacted by the legal system. ➡️ Event Info: Stay up-to-date on upcoming events, webinars, and info sessions. ➡️ JFF News: Get the latest news about CJEA initiatives and progress in expanding access to education for people who are incarcerated. 🔗 Sign up to receive our next issue! https://hubs.la/Q02GQKGv0 #NormalizingEducation #NormalizingOpportunity #FairChance

🌟 Meet Patrice! 🌟 We're thrilled to introduce Patrice, a passionate advocate for social justice and housing equity. A Michigan native and licensed social worker, Patrice is dedicated to making a difference for people facing systemic barriers to advancement opportunities. As part of our Horizons CJEA Fellowship initiative, she will continue to drive impactful change as a health care policy advocate and criminal justice reformer. Patrice is also an active member of the National Association of Social Workers. Join us in celebrating Patrice's mission to create a more equitable future for all. 🌍 💼 Stay tuned as we continue to introduce our 2024 CJEA Horizons fellows and mentors! #JFFHorizons #FairChance #NormalizingOpportunity #JFFImpact

🌟 Meet Courtney Everett! 🌟 We're thrilled to introduce Courtney Everett, a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. Courtney's life experience has taught him that education—not incarceration—solves many of society’s problems. As part of our Horizons CJEA Fellowship initiative, Courtney hopes to partner with community members and help make higher education accessible to every population—especially those impacted by the criminal justice system. Join us in welcoming Courtney and celebrating his mission to create equitable educational opportunities for all. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight inspiring individuals who are making a difference! #JFFHorizons #FairChance #NormalizingOpportunity #JFFImpact

🎉We are thrilled to announce our award of a $4 million U.S. Department of Labor Pathway Home 5 grant!🎊   We will be working closely with our partners at Breakthrough of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Corrections to develop pathways to #qualityjobs that begin inside Colorado prisons and continue post-release.   Learn more here- https://lnkd.in/ehdWXC3s   #FairChance #NormalizingOpportunity

⏳ Time is Running Out! ⏳ The Bureau of Justice Assistance is offering funding through the Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes program. This is a great opportunity to support programs that improve education and employment for individuals rejoining their communities after incarceration. 🔗 Apply now :https://hubs.la/Q02DFNLb0 📅 https://hubs.la/Q02DFP1Q0 deadline July 11, 8:59 p.m. ET 📅 JustGrants deadline July 18, 8:59 p.m. ET #ReentrySupport #SecondChanceAct #NormalizingOpportunity