Client Spotlight: Empowering Second Chances - The Clean Slate Initiative and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition

At Peachtree VA, we believe in the power of purpose-driven organizations to change the world. That's why we're proud to support a diverse range of nonprofits, each working tirelessly to make a difference in their unique ways. From justice reform to environmental sustainability, these organizations are tackling some of society's most pressing challenges.?

In this spotlight series, we're excited to introduce you to two remarkable nonprofits making waves to address the barriers and stigma faced by people with arrest and conviction records. Join us as we explore how these organizations are creating lasting impact, and how Peachtree VA is helping them amplify their efforts.

1. The Clean Slate Initiative: Wiping the Slate Clean for Millions

At The Clean Slate Initiative (CSI), the goal is simple: help millions of people in America get a fair shot at a fresh start. They're working hard to pass and implement laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and to expand who is eligible for clearance. Why? Because people who have made mistakes, have paid their debt to society, and now want to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones deserve a second chance to do so.

Darleen Priday, Director of Business Development at Peachtree VA, spoke with Stacey Ferguson, VP of Marketing and Communications at The Clean Slate Initiative, about their endeavors.

"We want everyone to have a second chance at providing for their family, having access to affordable and safe housing, and to have a better shot at contributing to their community," said Stacey.

Clean Slate policies are making waves across the country

Over 15 million people in America are eligible for full or partial record clearance in the 12 states that have passed legislation that meets CSI's policy minimums, including New York joining the list in December 2023. "Governor Hochul just signed in December, and I was able to be there at the signing, which was so emotional and celebratory," Stacey recalls. It's a big win for the Empire State.

Michigan's Clean Slate law, which took effect in April 2023, is already transforming lives — the day after implementation roughly one million records had been fully or partially cleared. Stacey shared a heartwarming success story of a woman in Michigan that brings the law's impact to life: “She got the dream job she was hoping to get, and it's changed her life and the lives of her daughters."?

Did you know one in three Americans have an arrest or conviction record??

Clean Slate policies are helping these folks get back on their feet, find good jobs, and move on with their lives. "We find it helps with community safety because when barriers to life essentials like jobs, housing, and education are removed, people are able to thrive without having to seek alternate methods of survival," Stacey explains.

Everyone's getting on board. Clean Slate has support from both sides of the political aisle because, as Stacey puts it, "These policies benefit all of us, no matter where you sit politically."

As their impact grew, Peachtree VA grew with them

Stacey recounts how their team had become spread too thin as their body of work grew. “We realized we need some type of administrative support. And so we brought on an executive assistant for me and a couple of other team members. Our Peachtree Virtual Assistant, Jen, has been amazing! She's such a great fit for our culture. She believes in the work and is a beautiful human and a delight to work with. I can't imagine not having her around at this point.”

Want to learn more or get involved? Check out cleanslateinitiative.org.?

2. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: Restoring Rights, Rebuilding Lives

The Clean Slate Initiative's reach extends far beyond its own impressive work. In fact, its CEO, Sheena Meade, played a pivotal role in founding another groundbreaking organization: the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC), which continues to do great work under the leadership of her husband, Desmond Meade.

From grassroots to global recognition, FRRC's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Founded by returning citizens and their allies, this organization is on a mission to end discrimination against people with convictions and create a more humane reentry system.

Sheena Meade, now CEO of The Clean Slate Initiative, wore many hats in FRRC's early days, including serving as its first Organizing Director. She also took on the role of Senior Advisor to the Second Chances Amendment 4 Florida Campaign.?

FRRC's work focuses on

• Ending disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions
• Creating a more comprehensive and humane reentry system
• Reducing recidivism or the tendency of convicted persons to re-offend
• Increasing public safety

Small ideas can bring about massive changes

FRRC’s history is truly awe-inspiring. What started as a small, dedicated group grew into a force for change that restored voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians with the passage of Amendment 4 in 2018. And they’re far from finished.?

"In February, I learned that, along with the National Council of Churches of Kenya and more than 300 other deserving nominees, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize." wrote Sheena Meade.

While FRRC didn't win the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, the nomination itself speaks volumes. As Sheena notes, "Whether you're passionate about Clean Slate, voting rights, or some other issue, know that your contributions are worthwhile, valuable, and needed. Small ideas can bring about massive changes."

Want to get involved or learn more? Check out FRRC's work at https://floridarrc.com/ and see how you can be part of this transformative movement.

Final thoughts

The stories of The Clean Slate Initiative and Florida Rights Restoration Coalition demonstrate the incredible power of dedicated individuals coming together to drive meaningful change. These organizations are proof that with passion, perseverance, and the right support, we can tackle even the most complex societal challenges.?

At Peachtree VA, we're honored to play a small part in their journeys, providing the administrative backbone that allows these changemakers to focus on what they do best – creating a better world for all of us. As we continue to support nonprofits in their vital work, we invite you to learn more about these organizations and consider how you might contribute to their missions.?

This article was originally published on peachtreeva.com/blog.