Supporting youth isn’t a one-time effort—it’s a continuous commitment. At The Delta Project, we celebrate the progress we’ve made in juvenile justice reform, but we know there’s more work to be done. Improving how we engage with young people and their families requires ongoing collaboration, innovation, and community involvement. Together, we can build a system that truly supports youth at every stage. Support the cause and see this full episode with host Bilal Al-Raed and guest Jason Smith here: https://lnkd.in/gnU9m_6z
The Delta Project Nonprofit
民间和社会团体
Grand Rapids，Michigan 947 位关注者
How do I become something I don't see?
关于我们
In 2017, a student in juvenile detention asked Cole Williams a simple, yet profound question, "How do I become something I don't see?" Cole's life work is to provide mentorship and guidance to incarcerated fathers and restore relationships between boys and men of color. He has experienced and seen a lot in his life, but still, this question caught him slightly off guard. It was the right question to ask, at the absolute right time. It required reflection, and ultimately action. Cole approached Joel Van Kuiken in late summer 2017 looking for guidance on how to deconstruct the question's meaning and context, and most importantly, how to act. Then they reached out to Eric Johnson, a trusted creative collaborator from Gorilla Motion Pictures, and posed the question to him. Now that question has become a north star, as they've launched The Delta Project. At its core, it's a focused effort to help young men in the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center become something they don't yet see by providing life skills and support in residential treatment programs and during probation. As a storytelling approach, they've developed a video production process that uses a two-way mirrored camera device that lets two people look into each other's eyes and carry on a conversation. The result is a fascinating split-screen video dialogue, in the vein of Errol Morris, that allows the viewer to almost join the conversation. But here's what's great about it. They teach the young men video production skills, and they train one of them to conduct an interview with a leader from the community who they wouldn't have the opportunity to see. And the young men lead the production. The videos are just beginning to scratch the surface, there is so much work to do. The Delta Project is working to promote change where it is needed most -- in the lives of young men returning home to their community. Please visit the website and watch the interviews, and know that much more is on the way.
- 网站
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https://thedeltaproject.co
The Delta Project Nonprofit的外部链接
- 所属行业
- 民间和社会团体
- 规模
- 2-10 人
- 总部
- Grand Rapids，Michigan
- 类型
- 非营利机构
- 创立
- 2019
地点
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主要
获取路线
US，Michigan，Grand Rapids，49503
The Delta Project Nonprofit员工
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Joel Van Kuiken, MS, APR
Principal at See Context I Co-founder at The Delta Project I Working to design systems change
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Caton Vance
Owner & Strategic Director at Vance & Company | Brand & Content Marketer | Podcast Producer | Writer
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Renee Odle
Social enterprise enthusiast
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Cole Williams
Co-Founder, The Delta Project | Narrative Change Storyteller | Graphic Novel Author | Family Consultant & Coach
动态
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Mistakes shouldn’t define a young person’s future. With the right support systems, they can move past challenges and thrive as healthy adults. Jason Smith's story is proof that guidance and resources can make all the difference. Let’s invest in our youth and their potential. Support the cause and watch all of our podcasts with host Bilal Al-Raed on our website: https://lnkd.in/gnU9m_6z
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Advocacy isn’t just about calling for change—it’s about supporting communities as they create it. At The Delta Project, we focus on educating the public and juvenile justice stakeholders, uplifting effective programs, and collaborating with local communities to implement meaningful reform. When one county succeeds, it becomes a model for statewide impact. Together, we’re building systems that work better for all young people. Amazing stuff as always Bilal Al-Raed & Michigan Center for Youth Justice
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For far too long, families have been burdened with excessive fees tied to the juvenile justice system—fees that are not restitution for victims, but costs for mandatory programs and facilities they had no choice in selecting. Imagine a parent owing $100,000 for their child’s court-ordered placement, with no way to say ‘no’ or seek alternatives. Thanks to reforms passed last December, most of these fees have been eliminated, bringing long-overdue relief to families across our state. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s more work to be done to ensure fairness and justice for all. Let’s keep pushing for change that uplifts communities and empowers families. See the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gZJXBfrT Good job as always to our host Bilal Al-Raed for the amazing interview with Jason Smith from the Michigan Center for Youth Justice.
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We delve into the issue of adultification in the juvenile justice system in our latest podcast. A formerly incarcerated youth Bilal Al-Raed shares his experiences and insights on the premature transition of teenagers to adult facilities, reflecting on the psychological impact and the broader implications for youth advocacy. This discussion is crucial for professionals involved in law, social justice, and policy-making to understand the real-life effects of current practices and the urgent need for reform. #SocialImpact #LegalReform #YouthAdvocacy Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gQPnniPz Shoutout to Jason Smith and the Michigan Center for Youth Justice for being incredible partners and advocates for youth in our state.
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Season two is live! We had Jason Smith the Executive director for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice, on for this one, and we are so excited to have this conversation out in the world. In the realm of criminal justice, a shift in juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18 years old could significantly decrease the adultification of youth. Such policy reforms are essential for protecting our young people's futures. #CriminalJusticeReform #YouthAdvocacy Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gwAUY5qd Bilal Al-Raed
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Join us at the Second Look Resentencing Town Hall on Wednesday, Sept 25, to learn how we can reshape our justice system by addressing excessive prison sentences, reuniting families, and reinvesting in our communities. Date: Wednesday, Sept 25 Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Refreshments at 6:30 PM) Location: LINC UP Gallery, 1167 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI Featured Speakers: ? Judge Kellen Dotson (Kent County District Court) ? Natalie Holbrook-Combs (American Friends Service Committee) ? Carlton T. Mayers, II, Esq. (GreaterGrand Rapids & Mayers Strategic Solutions) ? Tenee Gildea & William Kitchen (Formerly Incarcerated Advocates) This is a free, public event. Together, we can create meaningful change for justice and community safety. Visit secondlookmi.org for more details. Let’s transform the lives of the forgotten and redirect misallocated resources into pathways for restoration. We hope to see you there! #SecondLookMI #CriminalJusticeReform #EndMassIncarceration #CommunitySafety #TheDeltaProject #JusticeReinvestment #grandrapidsmi
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As we wrap up the first season of The Delta Project Podcast, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming Season 2, with a focus on leadership transition and giving a platform to young people with direct experiences in the juvenile justice system. This next season promises to delve deeper into the challenges and triumphs of our community's youth, as they become the leaders we need to foster a healthy, positive future. Join us in anticipating a series of engaging and insightful discussions. #LeadershipDevelopment #CommunityImpact #PodcastSeries Full episode: https://lnkd.in/gc-dWD4f
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In our podcast series, we document the compelling transformation of Bilal Al-Raed, who Cole met first as a young detainee and has since grown into a key participant with insightful contributions. His development highlights the significant impact of sustained engagement and mentorship in personal and professional growth. #YouthDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #InspirationalStories Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/grCAPaYJ
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In our podcast series, we emphasize the power of vulnerability in storytelling to alter perceptions and foster a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences. By showcasing guests who share their most personal stories, we challenge listeners to rethink their preconceptions and embrace a more empathetic viewpoint. These episodes prove essential for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of human dynamics and societal challenges. #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmpathyInAction #Storytelling Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gmc-Dj7T Caton Vance, Bilal Al-Raed, Joel Van Kuiken, MS, APR