The opportunity for criminal justice reform has never been greater or more needed.
The writing is on the wall. America has a criminal justice problem and now is the time to address it.
On October 17, The San Diego Foundation had the privilege of partnering with Second Chanceto host “Orange is the New Black: The Real Story with Piper Kerman.” The event featured renowned author, nonprofit leader and social justice advocate Piper Kerman to bring attention to the importance of anti-recidivism in our region and across the nation.
As a former convicted felon, Kerman experienced firsthand the deficiencies of the U.S. criminal justice system.
“Prisons have a really limited capacity to rehabilitate,” stated Kerman. “I knew women who were trying to raise their children during brief reunions in the visitors’ room while fending off sexual harassment and struggling with addiction and trying to get a high school education so that when they got out they stood some chance of surviving despite their felony conviction.”
By looking at juvenile and criminal justice, and recidivism reduction in a holistic way, we can get better at integrating services and support that are critical to building a path back to well being for the previously detained and incarcerated.”
The programs that factor into a complete, sustainable anti-recidivism solution are numerous.
The San Diego Foundation’s Our Greater San Diego Vision report found that San Diegans value education, jobs, and affordable housing… for everyone. The interconnection between these and an equitable criminal justice reform strategy is clear.
Together, we must take steps to reduce the number of people living in the system – foster care, juvenile, and criminal justice; improve conditions for those living in the system, and provide meaningful opportunities for those to re-enter public life thereby reducing the probability of returning to life in the system.
Russell Simmons once said, “Judgement of the people in the situation is not helpful. How you can help them is the question.”
By looking at juvenile and criminal justice, and recidivism reduction in a holistic way, we can get better at integrating services and support that are critical to building a path back to well being for the previously detained and incarcerated.
Instead of putting people behind bars, let’s ask what we can do to help them succeed. Then let’s do it!
On August 9, 2022, we awarded $838,704 in Opening the Outdoors grants to 24 nonprofit organizations that offer equitable access to outdoor spaces in San Diego County.
“San Diego Foundation is proud to once again support its partners committed to increasing community-driven efforts to enhance accessible outdoor space, encourage youth to learn more through hands-on education and create the next generation of environmental stewards in the San Diego region,” said Christiana DeBenedict, SDF Director of Environment Initiatives.
This year’s grantees will help address these inequities and enhance access to the outdoors throughout San Diego County.
"*" indicates required fields
The Advisor monthly e-newsletter provides philanthropy news and trends and financial planning strategies for advisors and their clients.
"*" indicates required fields
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Children and Families programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support stronger families in our region.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Education programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support enhanced learning experiences and increased access to college for San Diego students.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Environment and Climate programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to support equitable outdoor access and climate change resiliency.
"*" indicates required fields
Receive quarterly email updates about our Racial and Social Justice programs and initiatives and opportunities for you to learn about creating equitable opportunities for all and how to support our multicultural region and its diverse population.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource provides you with information about corporate philanthropy and custom corporate giving solutions for your business.
"*" indicates required fields
This helpful resource will show you how you can leave a legacy to your family, your charity or your community that complements your will and trust(s).
"*" indicates required fields