Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR INCARCERATED FIREFIGHTERS! To show our appreciation, here is an update on all things ARC Firefighter Fund. As a result of your enormous generosity, ARC has raised more than $1.8 MILLION for our incarcerated firefighters!!! With these funds, we have already provided immediate support, and are beginning to implement necessary infrastructure updates to our fire camps, and scholarships for individuals wishing to pursue firefighting careers after release. Here are a few examples of where your support has gone so far. 🔥 Immediate needs: We served over 30 meals at the Rose Bowl and Holton Basecamps for nearly 500 incarcerated firefighters each. Thanks to Irv’s Burgers, Maple Block Meat Co, Jon and Vinny's, Chef Jeff, Raising Cane’s and many more for showing up to feed these heroes! Fire camp upgrades: Our Sacramento staff packed over 180 hygiene kits and ordered 40 new pairs of boots. See pictures! Scholarships: Since launching the Firefighter Fund, we have welcomed two crew members home so far and provided both with scholarships. One young man, Fausto Lopez, is now attending UC Riverside. We are currently preparing five more scholarships for Pine Grove youth coming home from incarceration, and are looking forward to supporting hundreds more in the months and years to come. We are so grateful to our partners at WME, who played an enormous role in helping us coordinate meals for our incarcerated firefighters. We are equally thankful to their many wonderful clients, who supported this fundraiser as well. Thank you to everyone who has supported our Firefighter Fund! While we can’t possibly name everyone here, each one of you has helped us make a huge difference. #AntiRecidivismCoalition #FireFighterFund

Once a month, our former Board Member and longtime friend, the Honorable Judge Ron Kaye, collaborates with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition to transform his courtroom into a space for reflection and healing. Formerly incarcerated individuals who have only experienced negative interactions with the justice system are invited back to court to meet with Judge Kaye. This unique opportunity allows them to rewrite their narratives and engage in meaningful dialogue, fostering a sense of being truly seen and heard. We are happy to see Judge Kaye receive this recognition in the Daily Journal. Check out the full article at our Link in Bio. #AntiRecidivismCoalition 

To comply with this administration’s recent anti-DEI orders, the Air Force briefly removed all references to the Tuskegee Airmen from its training materials. If you don’t get how crazy that is, you must not know the Tuskegee Airmen. So this week on “Saving Black History”, we’re talking about America’s first all-black military aviators. What else should people know about the Tuskegee Airmen?! Let us know in the comments! #BlackHistoryMonth #SavingBlackHistory #AntiRecidivismCoalition

This MLK day, we’d like to honor these unsung heroes, who embody Dr. King's unwavering commitment to justice, service, and equality for all. These incarcerated firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and their strength, dedication, and contributions are a powerful reminder that greatness can arise in any circumstance. Thank you for your bravery and for inspiring hope. #IncarceratedFirefighters #MLKDay

ARC’s mental health staff understands the unique experiences of this community and is experienced in working with currently and formerly incarcerated people. Here are some thoughts from them about facing this devastating loss from the LA fires and coping with the potential grief. #LAFires #MentalHealth

Working as a firefighter while incarcerated is voluntary, although dangerous, hard, and underpaying (for now). However, many find it also extremely rewarding. It’s tricky, because the alternative option of staying in prison is also dangerous, underpaying, and additionally often inhumane. So let’s work on improving both options???? And providing more options?? Join us to do the work. #IncarceratedFirefighters #MassIncarceration

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the next Los Angeles County Training Center (LACTC) Firefighter Training Cohort! This upcoming cohort, set to begin at the end of February, will be our Female Cohort, and we want YOU to be part of this exciting new class! This program primarily serves individuals impacted by the justice and/or foster systems as well as veterans. https://lnkd.in/g-bMtJKk

What does it mean to be an incarcerated firefighter? Until recently, formerly incarcerated firefighters had no path to becoming professional firefighters after release. In 2018, ARC helped launch the Ventura Training Center (VTC), the first-ever program designed for incarcerated firefighters after they are released. Through enhanced training and certificates, VTC provides the necessary pathway to becoming a professional, employed firefighter. *** We have launched a fundraiser to provide direct support for the incarcerated men and women on the frontlines. If you’d like to support, please donate at https://lnkd.in/geXjHF4M *** #FireFighting #FormerlyIncarcerated

Make sure to actively seek out up to date fire safety resources! Also comment below other resources, orgs, posts to check out! Look out for specific, ongoing updates on the status of our affected community members (youth at Barry J, Kilpatrick, and our fire crews) on our IG stories and Facebook. Keeping our LA community in our hearts! Please stay safe out there and take care of your neighbors. We will keep each other safe! #LAFire #FireSafety #FireResources