Interested in learning more about the Social Justice Network? We are actively seeking likeminded leaders, partners, and volunteers who share our passion for educating, empowering and uplifting communities directly impacted by the criminal legal system. To learn more about our organization and how to support our mission, you can Schedule a 15-Minute Introductory Call to speak with our Founder Terrence Coffie.
GET INVOLVED
COMMUNITY IMPACT ATI PROGRAM
Re-Entry Educational Program Model (rep)
Family Assistance Program Model (FAP)
RE-ENTRY ASSESSMENT PROGRAM
Our mission is not just about change; it's about transformation.
As a beacon of equity and justice, our initiatives are designed to empower, uplift, and create lasting impact within the fabric of New York City's communities. The Social Justice Network, we believe in investing in the potential of individuals, in rewriting narratives, and in forging pathways to a more just and equitable society.
Join us in this collective journey where your investment is not just in programs—it's an investment in profound, positive change for the NYC community. Together, we can create ripples of impact that extend far beyond the walls of our initiatives, shaping a future where justice and opportunity are accessible to all.
For more information about our Programs or to learn how you can get involved, get in touch with our team here.
In the heart of New York City, where 65,000 individuals are admitted to jail annually, The Social Justice Network's Community Impact Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Program takes center stage.
The statistics are alarming—42% of these individuals struggle silently with mental health issues, and the financial strain on our city is immense, with over $8.2 billion spent annually on correctional costs.
SJN's Community Impact ATI Program offers a strategic solution, redirecting lives towards community-based opportunities that educate, empower, and enrich. By addressing the root causes of incarceration, we not only reduce the risk of re-incarceration but also contribute to a decline in state recidivism rates.
SJN's community partnership network combines over 40+ local organizations that seek to provide positive ATI impact opportunities for individuals in: Education, Career Development, Mentorship and Community Engagement.
Investing in this program is not just a financial decision; it's a strategic investment in the future of our city.
By diverting individuals away from costly incarceration and towards community-based opportunities, we not only reduce the financial burden on taxpayers but also address the underlying issues contributing to their involvement with the justice system.
This is more than a program; it's a win-win for the NYC community. Your support not only transforms lives but also creates a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the walls of our initiatives. Join us in reshaping the narrative, redefining justice, and building a more equitable and fiscally responsible future for New York City.
For individuals released from prison or jail, the path to rebuilding lives in American society is an uphill climb.
The desire to return to the mainstream is present, but opportunities, especially in education, are scarce—impeding the ability to secure a living wage and build successful careers. The struggle intensifies for those released after long prison terms, as they face challenges understanding workplace technology and navigating job searches in the digital age, often becoming a barrier in itself.
The consequence is clear: the inability to secure stable employment propels many formerly incarcerated individuals into a cycle of new crimes, violating release terms, and returning behind bars.
Enter The Social Justice Network's Re-Entry Educational Program Model. In a nation where approximately 2.2 million adults are incarcerated, and 700,000 people leave federal and state prisons annually, the challenges of reentry touch every community.
Our program recognizes the transformative potential of education and training, significantly reducing the likelihood of reoffending and enhancing employment prospects. Despite the evidence supporting reentry education as a cost-effective approach, correctional facilities often operate in isolation from community-based education programs, disrupting the continuity of adult education and credential attainment.
Why Invest? The impact is profound. Research affirms that education reduces recidivism and increases employment chances. By bridging the gap between correctional and community-based education, SJN's Re-Entry Educational Program Model empowers individuals to complete coursework, earn degrees, and obtain credentials seamlessly.
Investing in this program isn't just an investment in education; it's an investment in breaking the cycle of recidivism, fostering employment opportunities, and ultimately building a society where everyone has the chance to thrive.
In America, the impact of incarceration reverberates through families—one in four adults has had a sibling incarcerated, one in five has had a parent sent to jail or prison, and one in eight has had a child incarcerated.
The numbers are staggering—6.5 million adults currently have an immediate family member in jail or prison, with disparities prevalent in communities of color and low-income families.
Black individuals are 50 percent more likely than their white counterparts to have a family member formerly or currently incarcerated, and three times more likely to have a family member with over 10 years in prison. Astonishingly, six in 10 African Americans and Native Americans have an immediate family member who has been incarcerated.
Recognizing the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, The Social Justice Network's Family Assistance Program Model is a vital pillar of support for families dealing with incarceration's harsh realities.
With rates of family incarceration higher in poor communities, our assistance program stands as a crucial lifeline. Families often face financial strain, forgoing basic necessities to cover conviction-related costs. SJN's Family Assistance Program is committed to bridging these gaps by offering support in essential areas, including food, clothing, and housing assistance.
The need is urgent, and the impact is transformative. Families are often burdened by financial responsibilities, jeopardizing their loved ones' freedom. Investing in SJN's Family Assistance Program is an investment in the well-being of families and the prevention of cycles of incarceration. By providing crucial support, we empower families to maintain their stability, strengthen bonds, and contribute to breaking the cycle of incarceration. Together, we can create a society where no family is left behind.
Every year, over 600,000 individuals are released from prison, yet three-quarters find themselves rearrested within five years (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2005).
The challenges are daunting—more than half struggle to secure stable employment within the first year of return (The British Journal of Criminology, 2016).
Imprisonment rates for Black Americans are disproportionately high, and historically disenfranchised neighborhoods bear the brunt of returning citizens (Oxford University Press, 2007). Studies highlight the vulnerability of the first month after release, where the risk of homelessness and recidivism is alarmingly high (Cortes & Rogers, 2010).
Enter the Re-Entry Assessment Program by The Social Justice Network. New York State released nearly 24,000 inmates in 2013, with over half classified as higher risk, estimating an average of 460 days back in prison within the first five years.
The Social Justice Network is committed to addressing the critical issue of recidivism. The SJN program model strategically engages with clients while incarcerated, providing the necessary support for a successful reentry transition.
It's a matter of societal and financial impact. High recidivism rates cost the state millions annually, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive reentry support. SJN's program not only addresses this pressing need but also aligns with research indicating that correctional education programs significantly reduce the likelihood of re-entry into prison.
With each dollar spent on prison education saving approximately four dollars on re-incarceration costs, investing in our Re-Entry Assessment Program is a strategic move towards a more just, fiscally responsible, and thriving community.
PROGRAMS
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
