Imagine yourself stuck deciding between a paycheck and your personal safety.
This was a question posed to more than 100 people from across San Diego by Imperial Dreams film director Malik Vitthal at the recent Center for Civic Engagement Future40 event.
“What if you had no license or car and needed to take the bus to get to work because there are no jobs in your immediate area,” he asked. “This is a reality for many people in San Diego and nationwide.
“However, the problem with riding the bus, especially for young men of color, is that in order to get to your workplace you have to pass through other neighborhoods, which most often means other gang territories. Therefore, every day you are faced with a decision between employment and safety.”
What would you choose?
Fortunately, for many of us this is not a decision we have to make. But as Malik described it during the director’s discussion with Voice of San Diego Editor in Chief Scott Lewis, there are plenty of San Diegans who are not so fortunate.
Formerly incarcerated residents face these obstacles daily.
The Future40 event placed a unique spotlight on one of San Diego’s most pressing challenges – recidivism and the criminal justice system.
According to the San Diego County probation department, the rate of recidivism for juveniles and adults coming out of incarceration is between 34 and 36 percent in our region.
While state and local governments measure these rates differently, every group agrees that today’s youth grow up in an environment that pulls them in different directions. They are presented with many challenges to survive while building a positive future for their loved ones.
This is why we need to focus on the tools for re-integration to improve all our communities, which was a key takeaway from many people at the event.
Rather than parole as policing, aim for rehabilitation. #goodidea #recidivism #Future40SD
— Megan Thomas (she/her) (@MThomasSD) March 17, 2016
As Imperial Dreams depicts, underneath the numerous data points and statistics about recidivism lies just as many stories about love, support and determination in the face of insurmountable challenges.
The story of the main character in Imperial Dreams shows us how important it is for all individuals and organizations, from business to government to philanthropy, to work together to solve the problem. The San Diego Foundation is focused doing just that by identifying the root causes of children living in the system and discussing systemic solutions, including housing, education and other needs.
We encourage everyone to join these efforts. Consider attending our next Future40 event or watch the discussion with Malik to learn more about what you can do.
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