Seattle Angels’ Post

Unlocking Potential Through Community Involvement Reentry into society is a critical time for justice-involved individuals, often determining their future path—towards growth or recidivism. One of the most significant factors that can tip the scales towards a positive outcome is community involvement. When communities come together to support those returning from incarceration, they offer more than just a second chance. They provide the tools, networks, and encouragement needed to rebuild lives. Mentorship programs, job training, housing assistance, and emotional support are just a few ways we can contribute to reducing recidivism and fostering successful reentry. By investing in these individuals, we aren't just helping them—we're strengthening our communities, creating safer neighborhoods, and reducing the long-term costs of incarceration. Let's continue to support, uplift, and engage with those reentering society. Together, we can help unlock the potential within each person and build a more inclusive and resilient community. #CommunitySupport #Reentry #SocialImpact #SecondChances

🌟 Collaborating for Stronger Communities: How Residential Reentry Centers Can Benefit Local Organizations 🌟 In today's world, collaboration is key to driving meaningful change. Residential Reentry Centers (RRCs) play a crucial role in supporting individuals as they transition from incarceration back into society. However, the impact of RRCs can be amplified when they partner with community organizations. Here's how: 1️⃣ Community Engagement: Nonprofits, churches, and civic groups can partner with RRCs to provide mentoring, volunteer opportunities, and community-building events that foster inclusion and support for returning citizens. 2️⃣ Reducing Recidivism: Working with mental health services, substance abuse programs, and housing organizations, RRCs can offer comprehensive support systems, reducing the likelihood of returning to incarceration. 3️⃣ Workforce Development: By collaborating with local businesses and workforce development agencies, RRCs can provide job training and placement opportunities for residents, helping them build stable, sustainable futures. 4️⃣ Creating Win-Win Outcomes: These partnerships allow local organizations to play a direct role in strengthening the community, promoting safety, and supporting rehabilitation efforts. 💡 If you're part of a local business or organization, consider connecting with me or a Residential Reentry Center in your area. Together, we can create positive change, one life at a time! #SouthernMissouriReentry #Reentry #SecondChances #CommunityPartnerships #ReentrySupport #WorkforceDevelopment #ReducingRecidivism #Collaboration

Based on his 40 years of experience, the great Bob Lupton once asked, "Can one person really 'empower' another person? No. But, we can create conditions and an environment that draws out how they have been created, designed and gifted to live." One-size-fits-all youth "empowerment" programs for youth aging out of foster care have been around a long time and contributed to the appalling statistics we continue to see today. (45% unemployment, 54% incarceration, 41% young parents, 11% post secondary enrollment - Annie Casey Foundation 2023 Fostering Youth Transitions) Shoving these programs at youth, peppering them with (often misguided) advice and information doesn't change anything. This approach doesn't positively affect their circumstances or help them overcome critical barriers to success for "empowerment." It's weak sauce and youth are smart enough to know it. It's like handing you or me a manual on how to roof our home then wishing us luck. It doesn't work. Nothing changes and the roof keeps leaking and on and on. Join Viable today to bring a common sense approach and authentic opportunity within reach of youth who want to help themselves, are willing to work, and want to build a life. Click here to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eFuYURyY #VulnerableToViable #TransitioningYouth #PathToAdulthood

For people attending the #2024APPAM conference today: join us at 3:30 for our panel "Adverse Experiences in Childhood and Young Adulthood on Life-Course Milestones and Implications for Policy." This session will dig deep on how placing a child in foster care, the COVID-19 Pandemic's effects on children with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, and a parent's serious illness affect child and household outcomes, with the goal of informing where to target policy, program, and practice solutions. Jessica P. Heather Gomez-Bendaña NaYoung Hwang Matthew T Pesavento Samuel Dodini Stephanie Moulton https://lnkd.in/eG5HkfMb

Single Man Adopts Teen With Special Needs At 18, teenagers in foster care often "age out" of the system, facing challenges in securing a stable home and relationships. Losing crucial personal connections can increase the risk of adverse outcomes like unemployment and homelessness. Single men and women can be excellent parents to teens who need love and support. Despite available resources like medical insurance and career training, these youth must navigate significant life changes. Discover more about this critical transition: https://lnkd.in/gxvrkwaK?.

🚨 Funding Alert: California’s Foster Youth at Risk 🚨 Despite the urgent need, Governor Gavin Newsom has NOT restored funding for crucial programs that support vulnerable foster youth and families in #California. Donald Thompson's powerful Op-Ed, written from San Quentin, highlights why this funding is vital. He argues that without these resources, foster youth are deprived of the essential support they need to thrive and succeed. Our foster youth and families deserve better. They need our support now more than ever. We urge the governor to reinstate funding for the well-being of kids who need it. 🌟 #FosterCare #YouthSupport #SocialJustice #Advocacy #CaliforniaNeedsYou

Did You Know? Every year, around 20,000 young people "age out" of foster care without finding permanent families. That's a lot of individuals facing big challenges ahead. Without the support of a family, these youth are more likely to face homelessness, struggle to find jobs, and even end up in trouble with the law. It's a tough reality, but with more awareness and support, we can make a difference in the lives of these young adults. Let's work together to ensure every youth has the opportunity for a brighter future! Youth Empowerment Success Services - Helping Youth become housed, educated, employed, and connected 💚 www.yess4youth.org #EmpowerTheFuture #YESSforYouth #EndYouthHomelessness #AgedOut #FosterCare

Update I met with Senator Ossoff's office today and urged for action regarding enacting H.R.5028. I also offered researched suggestions for simple reforms that must be implemented at the federal level to keep children and youth in care safe and thriving. Senator Ossof's Report on Georgia's foster care system revealed "Systemic Failures". The most recent Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) audit, reviewing cases from spring 2023, found that DFCS failed to properly assess and address safety concerns in **84%** of cases reviewed. The findings revealed reported sexual and physical abuse often went without investigation sometimes leading to the death of the child while in state care. The Subcommittee’s review of prior audits shows that DFCS has failed to meet federal safety standards for at least the last seven years. Tomorrow I will meet with the Majority Chair of The Committee on Education and the Workforce, Representative Foxx. I intend to speak to all members of the Committee if necessary. Please share the petition with your networks and post on social media. It is more crucial than ever that Americans are informed of the horrific practice of separating loving families due to poverty. The consequences of such separations are not just limited to family trauma. Placing hundreds of thousands of children needlessly into state care overburdens the system and strains the already limited resources needed to keep children in care safe. The more signatures we can gather, the more people we can inform, the more likely Congress Members will be unable to turn a blind eye. https://lnkd.in/eFB9TfXb #Fostercare #EnactHR5028 #Childwelfare #FamilySeparation #Poverty #Trauma #ChildAbuse #ChildNeglect