Arnall Family Foundation

A friendly new year reminder that we're hiring for a Criminal Justice Reform Program Associate! In this role, you'll be a part of a team committed to addressing systemic issues and promoting innovative solutions. The link has all the job details, but here are a few extra bits of info ⬇️ 1.) Our office is dog and plant friendly.🦮🪴 2.) We have a gym onsite and an espresso machine in the kitchen.🏋️♀️☕️ 3.) We observe early Fridays year-round and support work/life balance.🧘🏼♀️⚖️

We just wrapped up Strategic Generosity: Unlocking the Art of Planned Giving. A huge thank you to today's speakers, sponsors and attendees on a successful seminar! This seminar, moderated by Christa Rogers, JD AEP CAP CFRE and co-sponsored by Oklahoma Bar Foundation, WatersEdge, The Oklahoma Association of Charitable Gift Planners and the Oklahoma Estate Planning Council, covered topics such as leaving ethical legacies through charitable estate, planned gifts, how foundations leverage today's gifts for tomorrow and more!

Justice Reform = Fiscal Responsibility #Oklahoma spends over $500 million annually on incarceration. Imagine if even a fraction of that was invested in #education, mental health care, or job training instead. Reforming our system isn't just humane—it's financially smart. Organizations like Diversion Hub, TEEM - The Education and Employment Ministry Inc., and ReMerge of Oklahoma County are helping ensure dollars are used towards navigating paths forward with both individuals and communities in mind. Let's work toward solutions that make sense for people and budgets. 💙

"Public transit is a great way to reach people in need because of the high number of people who use Embark's services." -Mental Health Association Oklahoma Over 700 people have benefitted from Embarks outreach program since its launch last year. 7 people have even found housing with help from the program! 🏠 How does it work? Patrons riding a bus or streetcar can be referred to Embark's on-site case manager. Besides housing and shelter assistance, folks can also get help with navigating complex systems, emergency transportation, and behavioral health services. 🚎 https://lnkd.in/gyAn-JSQ

On Saturday, I had the privilege of volunteering with TEEM to help distribute care packages to every detainee currently residing at the Oklahoma County Detention Center. The Arnall Family Foundation provided resources to TEEM to make distributions like this one possible every few months throughout 2024. This was my first time to participate in the distribution, but I hope it will not be my last. The packages, filled with snacks and socks, were a small gesture to bring a bit of comfort and humanity to our neighbors who are currently in jail. What made the experience even more meaningful was the opportunity to hand deliver each package, connecting face-to-face and sharing a moment of kindness--and hope for the future ahead. I'm incredibly grateful to Brandi Garner and her team at the Oklahoma County Detention Center for ensuring they had the staff available to make this effort possible and to TEEM - The Education and Employment Ministry Inc. for their unwavering dedication to supporting those impacted by the criminal legal system. Detainees expressed immense gratitude for the small gifts and many displayed sincere excitement for the opportunity to have a brief chat with volunteers. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and community.

🌟Join Our Team!🌟 We're on the lookout for a Criminal Justice Reform Program Associate! In this role, you'll be a part of a team committed to addressing systemic issues and promoting innovative solutions. Join us to create lasting, transformative change in the criminal justice system! For more information and details on how to apply, visit our website here: https://lnkd.in/gDiPpmY6

"Ninety-five percent of people in state prisons across the United States will return home, and people who have participated in postsecondary education programs in prison may have up to 48% lower odds of returning to prison than those who have not. People with safe housing after release see about 34% lower odds of recidivism." -Tricia Everest, Secretary of Public Safety Offering postsecondary education to folks prior to being released is an excellent way of proactively setting them up for sustained success after being incarcerated. ✅ https://lnkd.in/g2ZSTmns

It's exciting to see that more access to constructing accessory dwelling units is being pushed in OKC! This will help create more affordable housing developments around the city. 🏠 https://lnkd.in/gcNMDye6

Have you ever wondered what the Warrant Clearing Event looks like? Community nonprofits, Oklahoma County judges, and attorneys from the offices of the Public Defender and District Attorney come together to help individuals clear their traffic, cost, and misdemeanor warrants in a low-pressure environment. People seeking assistance can get help without the fear of being arrested (and enjoy a yummy meal, which was provided by The Fried Taco at the last Warrant Clearing Event!) Why is this important? Warrants can create barriers to stable housing, employment, and other important resources. Many of the warrants being cleared are for low-level misdemeanors and some are more than a decade old. Some warrants are a result of missing a court date or because a person could not pay the fines and fees. These individuals are not a threat to public safety; they just need help navigating the process and getting back on track. Shoutout to Diversion Hub, LiveFree OKC, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Inc. and TEEM - The Education and Employment Ministry Inc. for making these events so impactful! 💙

Heather Warlick of Oklahoma Watch did an excellent job of capturing the perspective of both a tenant and landlord in this recent article.🗞 “Now that there aren’t significant federal funds, what’s next?” said Jeff Jaynes, executive director of Restore Hope, the state’s best-funded source of rental assistance. “There’s a certain high level of need consistently in our state.” https://lnkd.in/gfTh5hce