Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)

Don't miss the relaunch of “Sincerely, with Sam Lewis,” the podcast hosted by ARC's Executive Director, Sam Lewis, next Wednesday, September 11, at 11 AM, LIVE on all ARC social platforms. In the first episode of the new season, Sam will delve into why voters should reject Prop 36—a dangerous ballot measure that threatens to undo the progress made by Prop 47. Prop 36 poses a major setback to safety and treatment, cutting funding from essential crime prevention, drug treatment, victim services, and education programs. Sam will be joined by an expert lineup: Mike Males, Senior Research Fellow at The Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (CJCJ) David Barclay, ARC Life Coach Isabella Suleiman, ARC Policy Fellow Join us live on YouTube, X, and Instagram next Wednesday at 11 AM! #SincerelySam #NoOn36

California Assembly Bill 2740, authored by Assemblymember Waldron, has successfully passed the state legislature and is now awaiting approval from Governor Newsom. AB 2740 provides comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant individuals in prison. The bill also directs prison officials to connect pregnant individuals with social workers within a week and ensures expedited visitation for overnight stays with newborns. Tyrique Shipp, a Policy Fellow with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “A prison cell is no place for somebody who is pregnant or somebody after pregnancy—it’s not safe, it’s not clean. Our goal is to ensure we can create a safe environment for these women.” For more on AB 2740 and the challenges faced by pregnant individuals in prison, read?the Bolts Magazine’s in-depth profile of the bill:?https://lnkd.in/gBcynRG9

Happy Labor Day! Labor Day is a day to honor the dignity of work and the rights that every worker deserves. But incarcerated people in California don’t have the freedom to choose their work. They are forced to work against their will, which is a form of modern-day slavery. This November, we have the chance to change that with Proposition 6. By voting YES on Prop 6, we can end forced labor in California and give incarcerated people more chances for rehabilitation. This Labor Day, please remind your family and friends to vote YES on Prop 6 and help end slavery in California. Share this post, and tag someone in the comments who needs to know about Prop 6! Visit https://lnkd.in/gBK8ktjp to learn more! #EndSlaveryinCA #YesonProp6 https://lnkd.in/gY_-RDqi

Get Involved with Impact Justice's Homecoming Project! Whether you're interested in becoming a host or a participant, the Homecoming Project offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference. Reach out to us today and be part of this transformative journey! The Homecoming Project bridges social divides by providing stable housing and community support for those returning from prison. Participants gain essential skills, housing, and a fresh start, while hosts receive a monthly stipend, training, and the chance to build lasting relationships. With over 100 successful placements in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Los Angeles counties, the impact is clear: 100% of participants secure stable housing, 95% find jobs or enroll in training, and none have returned to prison. See the link for more details on how to get involved: https://lnkd.in/gNQ6XpsG

Sam Lewis, Executive Director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), appeared on ABC 7 San Francisco to discuss the importance of voting "No" on Proposition 36. Prop 36, which is up for a vote in November, aims to increase sentences for certain drug and theft crimes. During his appearance, Lewis emphasized the dangers associated with Prop 36, particularly its potential to reverse decades of progress in criminal justice reform and lead to more people experiencing homelessness and poverty being given harsher sentences for minor offenses. "Instead, we're trying to find faster ways to lock people up and go back to mass incarceration," Lewis said during the segment. "That's not going to work for us. We're criminalizing homelessness. We're criminalizing poverty. Is that what America is about? Is that what California is about?" For more information about the dangers of Prop 36 and why people should vote NO, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gzMF3egz https://lnkd.in/gbGJhDfw #StopthePrisonSpendingScam #NoOn36

Sam Lewis received the Sammy Award from Friends Outside! After coming home from prison, Sam began his career as an intern with Friends Outside. Through hard work and dedication, he blossomed into a job developer, helping connect formerly incarcerated individuals with jobs and resources. Today, Sam is a leader and champion for formerly incarcerated people. We are incredibly grateful to Friends Outside for their role in Sam's journey and for the work they continue to do in helping our returning citizens. https://lnkd.in/gV6H2TCy

NBCU Academy's new feature highlights the Anti-Recidivism Coalition’s (ARC) innovative Ride Home program and its impact on the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning back into society. ARC's Ride Home program offers more than just transportation for those recently released from California prisons and jails. The program addresses a critical gap between prison and the community by providing a ride, a meal of their choice, a new outfit, a cellphone, and toiletries—key essentials to help people begin their reentry journey on the right foot. “You’re going to get the support, you’re going to get the resources, but ultimately, you’re going to get an opportunity to transition back into the community safely,” says Carlos Cervantes, founder of the Ride Home program. NBCU Academy’s feature follows the story of Pedro Gonzales, who, after serving 24 years at the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, was met by Cervantes for his ride home. Gonzales expressed his relief and gratitude, saying, “I was happy when I heard he was coming to get me. I said, ‘Finally, it’s happening.’” Watch the full video and learn more about the impact of the Ride Home Program: https://lnkd.in/gpksy6Pn.

For many incarcerated women in California, getting menstrual products is still a struggle. Despite laws requiring free access, many face humiliation, abuse, and even assault when asking for supplies. “No one is talking to us about our bodies at all. Then you are incarcerated, and one day you have your period. That was fairly traumatizing.” said Alissa Moore of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. Assembly Bill 1810 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan aims to change this by ensuring tampons and pads are always readily available without asking staff. The bill passed the Assembly floor and is now headed to the Senate. If passed, it would make a huge difference in the lives of incarcerated women. https://lnkd.in/eX3TMTyi

San Quentin is pioneering a transformative approach called the “California Model,” inspired by the Scandinavian prison system with a focus on rehabilitation and human dignity. Guards now greet incarcerated individuals with "good morning," refer to them as "residents," and replenish toilet paper without waiting for requests. A proposed $239 million project aims to add classrooms, a fresh food market, and a coffee shop to San Quentin. Activities such as chess, kickball, and flag football between staff and residents are fostering new relationships. Slowly, this facility is starting to break down long-held stereotypes and institutional barriers, although these changes will take time to fully form. As Steven Warren, an incarcerated person at San Quentin, said, “We, the incarcerated person, are indoctrinated. The staff are as well.” #CaliforniaModel #SanQuentin #ARC https://lnkd.in/gXj-9-NU