Volunteers of America Colorado’s Post

Workforce development is stronger because of real relationships with people. Partnerships are about mutual benefit and respect. The workforce program makes a real impact in overlooked people’s lives, because of the many people backing it up. #cityfields #partnerships #workforcedevelopment

Lane Education Service District and Southern Oregon Oregon Education Service District (ESD) were recently awarded an excess of $2.6 million in grant funding from the Oregon Department of Education through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) fund. With this new funding, Lane and Southern ESDs have partnered with the Mid-Willamette Education Consortium to create and pilot Team Oregon Build, expanding upon the existing Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs already operating in these regions. The expansion encompasses areas impacted by recent wildfires, including the Southern Oregon Education Service District and Mid-Willamette Education Consortium. Team Oregon Build (TOB) is an innovative partnership between education, industry, state, and community to introduce youth to career pathways within high-wage and high-demand construction trades. Education and Community partners from three Oregon regions dramatically impacted by wildfire and homelessness launched this career-connected learning and disaster/crisis response initiative.

City Year on KC Cares City Year helps students and schools succeed by delivering holistic support to students, classrooms and the whole school. They are committed to supporting the development of both students and AmeriCorps members. Watch the interview with Jeff Shafer, Executive Director of City Year!

Charter schools are the answer for Kentucky! 💯 A recent report from the Bluegrass Institute reveals that charter school students outperform their peers in traditional public schools. It's time to explore the potential of school choice! https://lnkd.in/e8P7AiWX #EdLeadership #CharterSchools #SchoolChoice

Big Bend State Park , Texas

Thanks for the insights @justicefunders. Acknowledging the stolen native lands we are on, is the beginning of the beginning of a processs to imagine pathways to repair and rejuvenation. I think incoporating the payments to a Land Trust into overhead admin costs is an excellent idea and way to systematize and normalize the giving to land trusts in our work… as part of the beginning of the beginning.

So good to see local partnerships that strengthen Tribal partnerships with Tribal partners and Leadership.

School is out for some! Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas to name a few! What are your summer plans? For those who have a couple more weeks and aren't out until June, what are you looking forward to doing once school is out?  Comment below! #MilitaryChildren #MilitaryFamilies #SpecialEducation #EFMP

The Call to Redefine Juvenile Rehabilitation Our society faces an urgent challenge: transforming the United States' juvenile detention centers. Grounded in an outdated punitive approach, these centers have failed our youth. We stand at a critical juncture, ready to shift from punishment to rehabilitation, from despair to hope. This shift is not just about policy reform; it's a moral imperative. Punitive detention centers only worsen the challenges faced by young people, fostering despair and disconnection. Research clearly shows that rehabilitation significantly reduces recidivism and aids in societal integration. We must confront an essential question: can we afford to ignore the pressing need for change? Imagine a new paradigm where juvenile centers become nurturing spaces that foster growth, education, and mental health support. Houston's Opportunity Center stands as a prime example, having transformed from a punitive facility into a vibrant hub of youth empowerment. This move towards rehabilitation is both a moral and pragmatic choice. As Erica Bryant notes in "Why Punishing People in Jail and Prison Isn't Working," the punitive system is not only economically unsustainable but also socially harmful. Rehabilitation presents a more effective and cost-efficient alternative. Educational programs in detention facilities have been proven to yield substantial savings in future incarceration costs. Success stories like Michigan's Vocational Village and Vera and MILPA's Restoring Promise initiative have significantly reduced reoffending rates. Internationally, countries with rehabilitative systems, such as Norway, report some of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. The call for systemic change is undeniable. We must shift resources from punitive measures to solutions that promote safe, healthy, and productive lives. The success of the Opportunity Center demonstrates the potential of such transformative initiatives. Transform Our Future: A Call to Action for Juvenile Justice Reform 1. Advocate for Change: As parents, educators, and community members, your voice is powerful. Reach out to local representatives, participate in community meetings, and advocate for the transformation of juvenile detention centers into nurturing environments. Your advocacy can influence policies and shape decisions. 2. Educate and Engage: Raise awareness in your community about the importance of choosing rehabilitation over punishment. Use social media, write articles, or host informational sessions to spread the word. Collective engagement strengthens the call for reform. 3. Support and Participate: Engage with organizations dedicated to juvenile justice reform. Your involvement, whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in community programs, is crucial in supporting this cause. We can build a future where every young person has the opportunity for growth and redemption. Act now. New Jersey Institute for Social Justice