Michigan Justice Fund

In 2022, the #MichiganJusticeFund awarded a planning grant to the Michigan Works! Association to explore employment service gaps for individuals returning home from being incarcerated. Partnering with Public Policy Associates and #MJF grantee Nation Outside, #MichiganWorks! led an initiative to strengthen Michigan's workforce ecosystem by enhancing training, programs, and resources tailored to those impacted by the criminal legal system. MJF spoke with Michigan Works! CEO Ryan Hundt about this impactful work in our 2023 Annual Report. Check out the Annual Report feature on Michigan Works! Association: https://lnkd.in/enDVR3Hi View the full Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/g4cuEJ9u ??1??3??: Kate English Photography ??2??: Katie Raymond - From MJF's 2024 Biannual Convening

Check out the #MichiganJusticeFund feature in the #CommunityFoundationforSoutheastMichigan's 2023-2024 #AnnualReport! This spotlight highlights MJF’s vital role in convening the criminal legal reform and transformation movement. Through these gatherings, #MJF strengthens people power, further driving meaningful change to end mass incarceration. Hear from Adam Grant, Executive Director of A Brighter Way, as he emphasizes the importance of collaboration in this transformative work. ??: Katie Raymond - From MJF's 2024 Biannual Convening Check out the full feature: https://lnkd.in/ec8EiKdf #EndMassIncarceration #CriminalLegalReform #PeoplePower #TrustBasedRelationships #CollaborationForChange #BuildingBridges #TogetherWeRise #Philanthropy

#ColdwaterKitchen tells the story of Chef Jimmy Lee Hill—who runs a culinary arts program out of a prison in Coldwater, Michigan—and three of his students: chefs Dink Dawson, Ernest Davis, and Bradley Leonard. Through sharing their stories, the film illuminates the realities of mass incarceration and compels audiences to take action to make change. It humanizes those affected by a dehumanizing criminal legal system, challenging dominant media narratives about impacted individuals. For the 2023 Annual Report, #MichiganJusticeFund spoke with Executive Producer Desire Vincent Levy, Co-Director Mark Kurlyandchik, and Food Tech Program Alumnus Chef Dink to learn more about their personal journeys in the making of the film and the impact of their stories. Check out the Annual Report feature on Coldwater Kitchen: https://lnkd.in/ekaqxEeb View the full Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/g4cuEJ9u #EndMassIncarceration #CriminalLegalReform #CulinaryArts #Reentry #FairChance #Rehabilitation #ChangeTheSystem #TransformLives #HealingThroughFood #Documentary #MJF #CFSEM #Philanthropy ??: Kate English Photography

?? Want to stay connected with the #MichiganJusticeFund and our work? Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates from the #MJF team and partners across the state who are advocating for a future where equity and justice are realities for all Michiganders. Together, we're addressing the ongoing challenges of mass incarceration and systemic racism. Stay informed, stay engaged, and join us in making a difference. ??? Subscribe today: https://lnkd.in/gvKaDagu

Check out the #MichiganJusticeFund's 2023 Annual Report! It details the impacts of #MJF and our grantee partners in advancing criminal legal reform and transformation across the state. The report features in-depth highlights of our partners, our convenings, and our narrative shifting work. Together we are reshaping the future of justice! The 2023 Annual Report: https://lnkd.in/g4cuEJ9u ??: Katie Raymond?- From MJF's 2024 Biannual Convening #AnnualReport #TransformingJustice #CriminalLegalReform #CollectiveAction #PeoplePower #MichiganChangeMakers #Philanthropy #CFSEM

This Veteran's Day we want to bring attention to the disproportionate incarceration rates that veterans face in this country. Many veterans face unique challenges and may struggle with mental health issues, trauma, and the transition back to civilian life. ? At #MJF we believe in supporting veterans and all who are impacted by incarceration through community-based solutions that are trauma-informed, restorative, and targeted to end cycles of arrest and incarceration. ? Read a recent report from Council on Criminal Justice to learn more about the intersections between military service and incarceration: https://lnkd.in/gAzmWRDk ? ? #VeteransDay #Incarceration #MichiganJusticeFund #CommunityCare

As #YouthJusticeActionMonth comes to a close, we reflect again on our victories in reducing youth mass incarceration while acknowledging the ongoing disparities. ? In 2022, State Police data showed that 9,400 youth were arrested in Michigan. #MichiganJusticeFund is dedicated to advocating for juvenile justice reform and transformation as we strive for a Michigan and world free from mass incarceration. ? #EndMassIncarceration #JuvenileJusticeReform #JusticeForYouth #AdvocateForChange #YouthEmpowerment #TransformJustice #RacialEquity #FutureWithoutPrisons #BreakTheCycle #HopeForYouth ? Sources/Learn More Slides 1-2: The Sentencing Project, 2024 “Youth Justice by the Numbers” by Joshua Rovner, https://lnkd.in/gGMvKjS2 ? Slide 3: Michigan State University, 2024 “New MSU study reveals disproportionate incarceration rates of LGBTQ+ youth in juvenile justice system” by Brandon Drain ? Slide 3: The Sentencing Project, 2024 “Incarcerated Women and Girls” by Kristen M. Budd Ph.D., https://lnkd.in/gGMvKjS2

Applications are due next Thursday, October 31 at 5 pm ET for the Innovation in Re-Entry and Workforce Development program! ? At the #MichiganJusticeFund, we know that transformational workforce development is essential for successful reentry and economic advancement. We prioritize innovative, scalable strategies created with those who are impacted by mass incarceration. Check out our website to learn about how to apply for the grant and read a FAQ developed from community questions. ? ?? Deadline: October 31, 5 pm ET ?? Apply today https://lnkd.in/e3-jJ5d ? #Reentry #Workforce #GrantOpportunity #EconomicMobility #Equity #Michigan

From September 12th-14th, #MJF collaborated with the Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP), Coldwater Kitchen documentary, and Lauren Williams to present the #BreakingDownWalls Exhibition at the N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art as part of Detroit Month of Design. The opening drew over 100 guests and sparked important conversations. A panel featured insights on art's transformative power in promoting social change and moving towards a world without mass incarceration. Guests engaged by writing letters to incarcerated artists, interacting with powerful pieces, and mingling over food and music. Breaking Down Walls, as part of our narrative shifting work, highlighted the stories of impacted individuals and their allies, aiming to inspire awareness and action within communities to drive change in the criminal legal system. Stay connected with us for more community events and initiatives. Together, we can change hearts and minds! Learn more about our partners in Breaking Down Walls: https://lnkd.in/ecvvrP9m #MichiganJusticeFund #ColdwaterKitchen #PCAP #DetroitMonthofDesign #ArtForChange #Artivism #Justice #JusticeForAll #EndMassIncarceration #CriminalLegalReform #Philanthropy

In honor of #YouthJusticeActionMonth, we celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the significant work still needed to end the incarceration of youth. For years, Michigan’s hyper-local juvenile justice system has faced obstacles to equity, effectiveness, and accountability in the ways it impacts our state’s young people. In 2023, reform advocates achieved major policy victories through the passage of the Justice for Kids and Communities legislation that will have a transformational impact on our system and our youth and families. Justice for Kids and Communities includes reforms that broaden diversion options, eliminate most court fines and fees, and more. These changes promote a fairer, more compassionate system that focuses on rehabilitation over incarceration. In our 2023 Annual Report, we spoke with Executive Director of Michigan Center for Youth Justice Jason Smith and Juvenile Justice Advocate and Policy Consultant Sara Wycoff McCauley to learn more about these major legislative wins and the efforts that led to them. Through their deep subject matter expertise and unwavering advocacy, both Smith and McCauley were instrumental to making these wins a reality. Learn more about the journey to pass Justice for Kids and Communities and what it entails: https://lnkd.in/g4cuEJ9u ??1??3??: Kate English Photography ??2??: Katie Raymond #JuvenileJusticeReform #JusticeForKids #MichiganLegislation #PolicyChange #YouthJustice #RehabilitationNotIncarceration #MJF #MichiganJusticeFund #AnnualReport #Philanthropy