New Jersey Department of Community Affairs on LinkedIn: Today, Jacquelyn A. Suárez, DCA Acting Commissioner (AC Suárez) provided… (2024)

“White privilege” is the term used to describe the worldview that assigns some groups to perpetual low status, while others are permitted access to privilege, power, and wealth. It is generally agreed as a way to quickly identify the systemic advantages that white people have compared to others. It is demonstrated through relationships with police, school curriculum, media accounts of law enforcement contacts, bail bonds, plea deals, and so much more. In the background, there is another form of privilege, which could be described as “Grant Privilege.” It is the concept in which organizations that have successfully competed for government grant funds in the past are more likely to be awarded them in the future. Organizations that can dedicate staff exclusively to grant writing, are known to funders, have successfully competed in the past, sit on the funding agencies' advisory boards, have money if their pocket to cover start-up expenses, and know “the language” of grant proposals are more likely to be approved.That means Community Based Organizations and startups are squeezed out in favor of agencies that already have access to many funding sources, such as district attorney offices, public defender shops, the ACLU, state and county agencies, large 501(c)(3)’s and others. But that also means those closest to the community, especially those of color and the underserved, come up short over and over.The good news is that there is strong work underway to even the playing field and give CBO’s a real shot. Take a look at energy underway by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and the Colorado Office of Victims Services in the Division of Criminal Justice.CBOs are helping redesign the application processes, identify ways to offer grace for startups and trust their ability to get the required outcomes, while building trust between communities and funders.One of the thought leaders in this effort is the National Criminal Justice Association. Connect to their work through this link and share success stories, ideas and questions to continue the progress!Much thanks to Delrice Adams, Allison Badger MPA, PMP, Demaxia Wray and all those who are leaning into to the NCJA effort to make communities more relevant in justice reform. https://lnkd.in/gQVC2xSj

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The Community-Based Public Safety Collective: Discovering Our Vital Roles📹 Watch as we unveil the heart of CBPS Collective and what we stand for. When we think about addressing violence within our communities, our minds often turn to law enforcement. But here's the truth: "You can't have public safety without the public." To truly make a difference, we must work with those within the community.At its core, CBPS Collective is about investing in black and brown leadership in communities impacted by violence across the country. These leaders have long been under-resourced and deserve our support. Our dedicated team members discuss our mediation process and guide individuals in creating a culture of peace within neighborhoods.We actively seek out organizations in need and provide the funding they require. We're here to do the work, to help people save lives, and to empower leaders within the community. Public safety, to us, means fostering a presence of well-being to support victims and survivors. 💪 With the funding we provide, communities can hire new members, build infrastructure, and scale their programs. Join us as we share our stories and insights that showcase our commitment to building capacity and strengthening communities.Family, we are creating a new approach to safety-- one that recognizes the vital role of community leadership. Join the movement, and let's make our communities safer and more resilient. www.cbpscollective.org #CommunitySafety #CBPS #Empowerment #InvestingInLeadership #ViolenceIntervention #PublicHealth #cvi #publicsafety #CommunitySafety #blackandbrownunity #nonprofitlife #grants

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UNDERSERVED, a book by Ja'ron Smith and Chris Pilkerton, highlights Abraham Lincoln's words on Reconstruction as "the greatest question ever presented to practical statesmanship." However, Reconstruction ultimately failed because of Lincoln's assassination, and the poor leadership and political shenanigans that followed. That failure precipitated years of horrible treatment for Black Americans for the next 100 years.At a recent event sponsored by Washington Trust Bank and Hello for Good, Chris Pilkerton outlined a comprehensive, long-term approach to address issues in Spokane and other communities. Some local elected officials in attendance showed enthusiasm, and we hope to see action planning in the near future. Chris Patterson, who heads Hello for Good, has been working with many humans on both sides to move such efforts forward.Why the rush? The Grants Pass v. Johnson case, which challenges an ordinance barring public camping, is set to be decided by SCOTUS. The conservative court is expected to rule in favor of Grants Pass, potentially opening the door for similar ordinances in Spokane County and beyond. Hello for Good has been advocating for a regional solution, which would be the most desirable outcome. Otherwise, taxpayers may demand the Grants Pass solution, which would not solve the problem and add additional misery to those needing shelter. Let's work towards a comprehensive, regional solution to address homelessness in our communities. #UNDERSERVED #Homelessness #RegionalSolution #Spokane #HelloForGood

Check out my conversation with CCRJP about starting Restorative Jeff Co!

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Clinks, the infrastructure charity supporting voluntary organisations working in the criminal justice system in England and Wales wishes to commission an independent impact assessment.Our current strategy (https://lnkd.in/eCFzAtqh) and delivery plan (available on request from anne.fox@clinks.org) are coming to an end and we will soon begin the process to develop our next strategy. #strategy #infrastructure #quality #justice #impact We wish to appoint an external agency/consultant to help us understand, since our last independent impact assessment (https://lnkd.in/eykr_Xxt):1.Whether Clinks is providing the range of services and activities that our stakeholders want and need2.What difference Clinks is making to its members and the wider voluntary sector in criminal justice, and ultimately, to the people they’re founded to serve, especially those people who face greater challenges due to racism and inequalities experienced due to having protected characteristics (as defined in the Equality Act). 3.Whether Clinks’ work is of a good quality.A budget of £10,000 inclusive of any VAT and all expenses is available for this work. The work must be completed and a final report submitted to Clinks by October 2023. Proposals as to how you would approach this commission, clearly demonstrating your experience and expertise, should be submitted to anne.fox@clinks by 9am Monday 3rd July 2023.

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The Health Policy Institute of Ohio just put out the 3rd brief from the "Connections Between Criminal Justice and Health" series. A project supported by an OSBF Racial Justice Initiative grant.The third brief explores evidence-informed policy options that leaders can act on for preventing and mitigating the impacts of parental justice involvement on children and families. Click the link below to learn more and read the other briefs from the series.Since its creation in 2020, the Racial Justice Initiative has awarded $1 million to Ohio nonprofits focused long-lasting impact and institutional change for racial justice. Learn more at www.osbf.org/racialjustice

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Philly has had a difficult week. It has been made clear, in no uncertain terms, that our leadership has decided to enforce new legislation and enact a strategic strike against harm reduction and public health, weaponizing their power to cause great harm. The lease ending for Savage Sisters Recovery, Inc was one minor show of power. But the response that we received from the community, not just on a local level, but on a global level, has been astounding. So let me be very clear. This work will not stop. We will continue to show up, we will continue to serve, and we will continue to save lives. Because the people that we serve, our beautiful friends, are Worth Saving. Each organization delivering public health services stands in solidarity against these archaic laws, practices and policies. While we may have to get flexible and creative, we will never stop. We’ve been shackled and chained to outdated laws & prohibitionist policies for decades. It’s time to break free. I am certain this will be difficult and we all need to work together. But I believe in my core that the work our organizations do, serves humanity. So we will coordinate, collaborate, organize, serve, support, advocate & keep the light on. Time to stay strong, stand tall and serve ferociously. Like a Savage. To donate or get involved visit savagesisters.org #harmreduction #harmreductionsaveslives #rally #advocacy #substanceusedisorder #pwud #community #publichealth #power #wedorecover #overdoseprevention #education #love #serve #friends

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As we close on 2023, it’s wonderful to look back on this list of accomplishments Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’ staff and leaders were responsible for. They do amazing work, and 2024 is poised to be our most impactful year yet. I’m filled with gratitude to be part of this work. -Our organizers and attorneys connected with more than 4,000 people with lived experience at shelters, schools, and outdoor locations. -The Law Project closed 441 cases for 347 clients, with 60% of cases on behalf of children and youth. Casework connected clients to education, housing, public benefits, and more. -CCH and partners passed two statewide measures into law. HB 3116 will help students experiencing homelessness by ensuring all school staff are trained to identify and support them. SB 1367 will improve access to public housing for people with criminal records by creating standards in the background screening process. -Shared advocacy helped secure $85 million in new money to support housing and homeless services in the FY 24 state budget. We also won a small increase to the cash grants received by families enrolled in TANF. -With pro bono support, the Law Project won two impact litigation cases in federal court covering consumer rights and police misconduct. Both cases had formerly homeless plaintiffs and resulted in monetary settlements paid to our clients. -The Edrika Fulford Mutual Aid Fund has distributed $506,000 in emergency grants to 1,012 households since May 2020. With the Inclusive Economy Lab, CCH completed a qualitative research project to assess the program’s impact. -Bring Chicago Home (BCH) is a campaign to create a dedicated revenue stream to address homelessness at scale in Chicago. After five years of shared advocacy, BCH will be brought to voters in the March 2024 election.Support our mission - https://lnkd.in/gH6paH_A

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Justice Advisory Council Grants (cookcountyil.gov)The Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) awards grants in the areas of Violence Prevention, Services for Returning Residents as well as other areas of need. The overarching goal of the JAC's grantmaking is toincrease access to services that increase community safety and reduce reliance on incarceration. In 2023, Cook County will award up to $5 million in capacity building grants to community-based organizations serving Cook County residents. Starting Block Grants will provide $100,000 over two years to small organizations looking to build internal capacity and develop their infrastructure to promote organizational health, growth and sustainability.The grant opportunity is open to community-based organizations in diverse sectors, including Arts and Culture, Community and Economic Development, Education, Health and Human Services, and Violence Prevention. To be eligible, organizations must have non-profit status and an annual operating budget under $1 million.This initiative goes beyond traditional grants for organizations to deliver services and allows them to focus on strengthening how they run.

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HAPPENING TODAY! Listen live to oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court Monday, April 22 at 10 a.m.: https://lnkd.in/dsPxVZYm. They are also scheduled live for C-SPAN Radio and C-SPAN 1. https://lnkd.in/eUsNWiYs.WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Grants Pass v. Johnson on Monday, April 22, 2024. The case relates, in part, to the Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishment. Grants Pass v. Johnson highlights the issue of unaffordable housing and its consequences, including increased homelessness and encampments in residential areas.Southeastern Pennsylvania also struggles with housing unaffordability and has seen increased numbers of unhoused people in recent years. This prompted LASP and Community Justice Project advocates to obtain an injunction in U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Better Days Ahead Outreach Inc. v. Borough of Pottstown, 2023 U.S. Dist., preventing the type of criminalization at issue in Grants Pass. 🔶 To learn more about the issue locally, watch the recording from the April 4 webinar hosted by the Bucks-Mont Collaborative, “The Criminalization of Homelessness and How to Help the Unhoused: A Presentation & Discussion with Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, Community Justice Project and Access Services.” https://lnkd.in/eDtnqcrfLegal advocates explain the current issues around the criminalization of homelessness, including new developments at the U.S. Supreme Court and how they may impact people locally. The presentation also covers common legal issues experienced by unhoused people, how CJP, LASP and Access Services can help, and opportunities for collaboration.🔷 LASP article with links to the Supreme Court docket and more: https://lnkd.in/eYyq_rSB🔷 WHYY story: "A Supreme Court case could have major implications for homelessness in Philly region: Some legal scholars believe the Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching consequences beyond the issue of homelessness" | https://lnkd.in/ePNF3PPZ

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