Peckham has long been a bastion of inclusion, equality, and meaningful opportunity in the city of Lansing. As a non-profit organization, they've worked hard to provide job training and work opportunities to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment. From veterans and persons with physical disabilities, to hearing impaired people and resettled refugees still learning English, Peckham has created a culture of integrity, compassion and high expectations. And they've just been handed another fantastic opportunity to meet a specific need in the community.
One of the greatest challenges faced by young men and women coming out of the juvenile justice system, is the issue of reentry into society. It seems so easy on the surface - you simply go about the business of living a normal life, right? If only it were that easy. For young adults who've spent time in juvenile justice facilities, things like getting a decent job, learning valuable life skills, and becoming productive and successful members of society can seem impossible. But that's changing, thanks to Peckham and
The Institute of Educational Leadership's Reentry Project Grant.
"Individuals, families, communities and our economy as a whole are better off when the transition from the justice system to employment is successful." U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta explained in a recent press release. Which is where the Reentry Project comes in - offering these young people a chance to get back on their feet after incarceration. "These reentry programs are designed to break the cycle of recidivism by providing assistance toward achieving meaningful employment."
Over the next three years, Peckham will be receiving $630,000 to create a new program that will help these young people overcome the obstacles that so often trip them them up during the process of reintegration into society. By helping to provide employment opportunities, and a chance to become self-sufficient, both socially and financially, Peckham will once again be making a major difference for the people of Lansing.
According to Sarah Britton, the director of youth services at Peckham, over the last two and a half years the organization has served more than 200 Lansing area youth who've been involved in the juvenile justice system. More than 60% of them have been provided with meaningful employment, and over 60% have worked to receive industry recognized credentials and degrees.
Peckham's work has changed lives in so many positive ways over the years. And with this new grant made possible by the U.S. Department of Labor, their ability to radically improve the future of Lansing's young people just got even better.
Source: Shavonne Lewis, Outreach and Brand Manager, Peckham
Writer: Sarah Hillman, News Editor, Capital Gains
Got a story for Capital Gains? Email Sarah
here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.