Center for Justice & Economic Advancement (JFF)

?? People Are More Than Their Records ?? Our friends at The Clean Slate Initiative have released a powerful #PSA reminding us that people with records are much more than their past. They are individuals defined not by a moment but by their achievements, contributions, and humanity. ?? ?? ?? The records that truly matter? Birth certificates that mark a new beginning. Diplomas that celebrate perseverance and growth. Paychecks that provide stability and hope for the future. These are the records that showcase who people really are—and the ones we should value most. ??? Watch the PSA: https://lnkd.in/eYzZw97U Every person, including those with a record, has the potential to achieve economic success and build a better future. By creating pathways and supporting access to #education, #employment, and #resources, we can #NormalizeOpportunity and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to thrive. #CleanSlate #SecondChances #FairChance

?? Upcoming Webinar: Optimizing Fair Chance Employer Relationships ?? Join our partners at the National Reentry Workforce Collaborative (NRWC) for an insightful webinar on strengthening partnerships between fair chance employers and organizations—a critical component of successful #fairchance hiring initiatives. ?? Date: Friday, Dec. 6 ? Time: 1-2 p.m. ET ?? Register here: https://thenrwc.org/tls/ This session will dive into: ? Practical strategies for building lasting employer relationships ? Overcoming challenges like turnover of key champions ? Securing cross-functional buy-in across companies ? Creating a feedback loop to improve outcomes for employers and candidates We’re excited that JFF's Lisa Cohn Durkin will speak alongside fellow employment experts Molly Verghese of Cara Plus and Sarah Vincent of Husch Blackwell. If you’re involved in fair chance hiring or #reentry initiatives, this is a must-attend event for actionable insights to drive lasting impact. #FairChanceHiring #SecondChances #NormalizingOpportunity #JFFImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #ReentrySupport #EmploymentStrategies #Webinar

?? Exciting Funding Opportunity for Community and Technical Colleges! Jobs for the Future (JFF) is now accepting proposals from community and technical #colleges that are ready to expand programs that connect learners to paid work-based learning opportunities and #qualityjobs. Project ACCESS is a game-changer for colleges looking to scale impactful initiatives that provide learners with the skills and experiences they need to succeed. JFF will host a virtual info session on Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. ET. ?? Register for the info session: https://lnkd.in/e4qkdn9F If your college offers #PrisonEducation programs, this is an excellent chance to build on your efforts and ensure learners who are incarcerated have access to pathways that lead to meaningful careers. ?? Proposal Deadline: January 17, 2025 ?? Learn more about Project ACCESS: https://lnkd.in/eeUxbMnH #HigherEdInPrison #CommunityCollege #CTE #RFP #FundingOpp

?? A Unique Perspective on Prison Education: "An Educated Prisoner is a Dangerous Prisoner?" Our partners at Open Campus recently published a thought-provoking article featuring artwork by Juan Hernandez, an artist currently incarcerated in Illinois. His work reflects his personal experiences and his aspirations for access to higher education. At the age of 16, Juan was handed a 45-year sentence and barred from educational opportunities for nearly two decades. He was only allowed to pursue his GED after 18 years. His sketches offer a moving portrayal of what access to #education could mean for him and others. ?? Discover Juan’s story and explore the vital role of education in the #prison system here: https://lnkd.in/e-ER-26e #Art #PrisonEducation #NormalizingOpportunity

?? Dare to Be Brave at Horizons—Register Early and Save! ?? Early registration opens December 2 for #JFFHorizons! This year’s theme—Dare To Be Brave—is all about creating bold solutions for economic opportunity. Last year’s #fairchance track was one of the most popular, and Jobs for the Future (JFF) is excited to offer even more inspiring sessions in 2025. Secure your spot early to receive a discounted rate and be part of an event where fresh ideas and real change take center stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to drive impact! ?? Mark your calendar for December 2! ?? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/dYqqsYXE #JFFImpact #DareToBeBrave #EarlyBird #conference #prisoneducation

?? Exciting opportunity alert! Our friends at Roadtrip Nation are seeking a passionate?Documentary Director?to join their team! ??? If you’re committed to telling impactful stories about the transformative power of higher education in prison, this role could be for you. A huge thank you to Ascendium Education Group for their critical funding, which makes so much of our work in prison education possible. ?? Apply or share with those who might be a perfect fit!

While we honored the service and sacrifice of #veterans yesterday, our commitment to their support must go beyond one day. Transitioning from #military to #civilian life can be incredibly challenging for many veterans. Many struggle with #PTSD and #mentalhealth issues that can lead to a criminal conviction. Data from U.S. Department of Justice shows that in 2011, nearly a third of our nation’s 19 million veterans have reported being jailed or arrested, and over 180,000 have been incarcerated. ( ?? https://lnkd.in/eqZdKhKH). The legal system often lacks the resources necessary to address veterans’ unique needs. The Council on Criminal Justice's Veterans Justice Commission has published a #policy framework designed to support veterans in #reentry, ensuring they receive the guidance and resources they need to rebuild their lives. ?? Read the framework: https://lnkd.in/gHNMGmnk Let’s remember and support our veterans every day throughout the year—especially when they need it most. #VeteransSupport #JusticeReform #ReentrySuccess #SupportOurVeterans #FairChance #FederalPolicy

?? Building a future that works—for everyone. After #Election2024, it's clear that millions of Americans are looking for changes that make the #economy work for everyone. For people with records, building pathways to #qualityjobs is critical to achieving that vision of shared prosperity. In a memo to the incoming administration, Jobs for the Future (JFF) highlights essential steps for advancing #workforce and #education #policy so that all individuals—regardless of their background—have access to meaningful career opportunities. JFF's bipartisan recommendations to the administration cover key areas, including preparing youth for success, investing in skills, adapting #postsecondary education, and maximizing the potential of untapped talent. By focusing on real, practical policies, we can ensure that everyone, including people with records, can access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. ?? Read the full memo for insights: https://lnkd.in/ecgQHMVt #NoDeadEnds #FairChance #JFFImpact #workforcepolicy #federalpolicy

?? #JFFHorizons session proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. ET tomorrow! We want to hear your ideas on how we can break down barriers for people with records and ensure #economicadvancement for all! https://lnkd.in/eDYyGnGz #DareToBeBrave #JFFImpact

Jobs for the Future (JFF) CEO Maria Flynn has an important message on this #ElectionDay about the power of your vote to shape pathways to economic opportunity! #Vote #Election2024