REFORM Alliance

Let’s hold space for returning citizens who are working hard to rebuild their lives. As the holiday season is here, many individuals on probation or parole face the challenge of balancing financial burdens, such as supervision fees, with the need to provide for their families and celebrate this special time of year. The journey of reintegration isn’t always easy, but every step forward is significant. Everyone deserves support and opportunities for a fresh start. Season's greetings to all, and may this time bring hope and connection to those impacted by the justice system.

Conditions of supervision can prevent people from visiting family due to travel restrictions or prohibitions on associating with anyone else who has a criminal history. Denying this time with family or loved ones during the holiday season can create unnecessary stress and affect the progress toward reintegration. At REFORM, we believe that probation and parole systems should support rehabilitation and public safety. Close and healthy family relationships and support systems are proven to increase positive outcomes in reentry, lessening the likelihood of recidivism.  Spending time with loved ones during holidays is therefore crucial for those working to reintegrate into society. Our mission is to transform these systems to create real pathways to stability and well-being, recognizing that family support plays a vital role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry.

📣🗞️ EXTRA EXTRA read all about our Florida State Organizer Tanaine Jenkins aka “The Woman Who Beat the Odds” and offers the promise of hope and dignity to those seeking reentry. 🫶 via @thecarrierpigeonpost 🔗 Read Tanaine’s Heroic Story: https://lnkd.in/esj8_6w4 #FloridaNews #Probation #Parole #Incarcerated #formerlyincarcerated #criminaljustice #criminaljusticereform #reentry #secondchances

Ever wonder how a second chance can change everything? Michael’s path from incarceration to leading multiple Popeyes locations is nothing short of amazing. His words are truly inspiring to us all: “I started out in prison, making 27 cents an hour. Think I can’t come out here and make $100k? Yes, I can!” Michael's commitment to second-chance hiring has already changed lives. At the VA job fair hosted by Team Roc and Reform Alliance, Michael hired five amazing individuals, including Shaquille Gattison, who jumped into his new role as a cook just two days later. Talk about a fresh start! Michael's story shows us it isn’t just about filling jobs—it's about transforming lives and paving the way for second chances and brighter futures. And, why when we invest in people, we all win! Join us in celebrating these powerful stories! Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce for all. Learn more about the impact of our #VAJobFair https://lnkd.in/ej8RY7w3 #ReformAlliance #TeamRoc #Secondchances #secondchancehiring #criminaljusticereform #reentry #parole #probation

As we continue to shine a light on the urgent need for probation reform, Yovng Chimi sat down with us firsthand to share his gripping story, which underscores the critical work we’re doing to transform the probation system. Yovngchimi’s journey through the probation system is a stark reminder of its flaws: • He spent three years on probation for a marijuana offense, facing a system that seemed designed to trap rather than rehabilitate. • Instead of getting meaningful support, he found himself accumulating violations due to lack of proper resources. • His career as a musician took a severe hit when attending an award show led to increased restrictions, including an ankle monitor that made him feel like he was “in prison.” • A strict 6 PM curfew further crippled his ability to pursue his music career and maintain a normal life. • Realizing his restrictions was the reality that, at any moment, he might have had to choose between risking a violation or seeking emergency medical care for his child. Yovngchimi’s story is not unique. It represents countless individuals caught in a probation system that often hinders rather than helps. His testimony reinforces our mission to create meaningful change, ensuring that probation is a pathway to stability and success, not a revolving door back into the justice system. We are deeply grateful to Yovngchimi for sharing his experiences. His story fuels our determination to push for reforms that will make a real difference in people’s lives. We are looking forward to working together to transform probation! #ProbationReform #PuertoRico #ReformAlliance 🇵🇷

"The evidence is clear: when we remove barriers to employment, everyone wins. By opening doors for justice-involved individuals, we’re fueling economic growth and strengthening our communities," says Tony Bedard, CEO of Frontier Co-op. Explore how second-chance hiring and common-sense policies that incentivize work and education can transform Iowa’s workforce and economy. Read Tony’s full op-ed in Corridor Business Journal! https://lnkd.in/e92xSU8d    ✅Stable Jobs. ✅Stronger Workforce. ✅Thriving Economy. Second-chance hiring isn’t radical. It’s common sense! #SecondChances #SecondChanceHiring #IowaWorkforce #JusticeImpacted #CriminalJusticeReform #Supervision #Probation #Parole #CriminalJustice #CriminalJusticeSystem

🤔When does probation offer a second chance—and when does it set people up to fail? Jeffery Williams’ (Young Thug) 15-year probation sentence highlights a system where restrictive conditions can turn even minor missteps into devastating setbacks. Erin Haney, Chief Policy Officer at REFORM Alliance, shares: “Changing conditions of supervision is not something that most people think of as radical… Yesterday, we saw a real-life example of how it really is the difference between being able to have a shot at success or being trapped into failure. That’s huge.” In Williams’ case, everything hinged on his probation conditions. He was even willing to risk more time and convictions rather than accept the prosecution’s terms, which he knew were a trap. “Instead of punitive measures, we need just and supportive systems that provide realistic conditions and a true path forward,” Haney emphasizes. Every day we wait for reform means more lives at risk. Read more in Haney’s Q&A with COMPLEX — https://lnkd.in/enUhjVdy

📣 Justice impacted in Indiana? Your voice matters, even if you’ve faced a conviction! In Indiana, you lose your right to vote while you’re incarcerated on a misdemeanor or felony conviction. As soon as you’re released, your voting rights are restored once you re-register to vote! Pretrial detention, probation, and parole should not impact your voting rights, so don’t let them hold you back from making your voice heard and your vote count. Remember, you will need to have already registered, as the registration deadline has passed. Click here to make sure you’re eligible, registered, and ready to cast your vote! https://lnkd.in/edsqzKfK And for a quick eligibility way to check your status, registration, polling place, etc., head to CanIVote.org to confirm your voting details. https://lnkd.in/dvzEbKt #vote #election2024 #electionday #voting #gotv #justiceimpacted #parole #probation #formerlyincarcerated #vote #2024election #generalelection #criminaljusticereform #voterrights #votingmatters

🚨Many justice-impacted individuals are eligible to vote, but too often, uncertainty, fear, or confusing laws can keep us from casting our vote. Our vote holds the power to shape a fairer future. Justice-impacted communities know the importance of having a say in policies that affect our lives. Voting isn’t just a right—it’s a way to build a justice system that’s more accountable, compassionate, and inclusive. Join us at the polls this TODAY, November 5th, and let your voice be heard. Every vote counts. 🔗 Please check your eligibility and status, and make your voice heard! https://lnkd.in/edsqzKfK #ElectionDay #RightToVote #Vote #VotingMatters #YourVoteMatters #GOTV #ReformAlliance #TeamRoc #CriminalJustice #CriminalJusticeReform #vote #votevotevote #parole #probation #supervision #prisonreform #formerlyincarcerated #election2024

📣 Justice impacted in Pennsylvania? Don’t assume you can’t vote - you may still be eligible! In PA, you lose your right to vote while you’re incarcerated on a felony conviction, but you can register to vote as soon as you’re released! Just remember: if convicted of a misdemeanor or felony violating the Pennsylvania Election Code, different rules apply. Pretrial detention and misdemeanor convictions (unrelated to election violations) should not impact your right to vote. Remember, you will need to have already registered, as the registration deadline has passed. Check if your rights have been restored and get ready to cast your vote! https://lnkd.in/e9bwvncS And for a quick eligibility way to check your status, registration, polling place, etc., head to CanIVote.org to confirm your voting details. https://lnkd.in/dvzEbKt #vote #election2024 #electionday #voting #gotv #justiceimpacted #parole #probation #formerlyincarcerated #vote #2024election #generalelection #criminaljusticereform #voterrights