- CJCJ youth clients celebrate summer with indoor go-karting
- Refuting fear: immigration, youth, and CA’s declining violence
- Cameo House resident completes program and gives back
Staff, mentors, and youth clients in CJCJ’s Youth Justice Mentoring program (YJM) spent a day at the race track to connect with each other and have fun.
This month, CJCJ’s YJM program made sure our youth clients started the summer off right with some healthy fun — indoor go-karting!
YJM pairs culturally appropriate volunteer mentors with justice-involved youth to provide weekly mentoring support both in detention and in the community upon release.
Throughout the year, YJM staff create opportunities for their mentees and mentors to spend quality time together by planning and participating in fun outings. These outings give youth a chance to relax and build positive relationships with adults who promote their personal growth and development.
“Going go-karting was a treat for our young people,” said YJM Mentoring Coordinator, Chris Tasi. “They worked hard this year and had to overcome various obstacles in their education and personal lives. Our YJM team staff and mentors are very proud of them. We take joy in giving them opportunities to have fun and enjoy life.”
Learn more about the Youth Justice Mentoring program (YJM) » Donate to support CJCJ’s youth services » Refuting fear: immigration, youth, and CA’s declining violenceCJCJ’s new report finds California’s crime and violence decreased as racial and ethnic diversity and immigration increased, particularly among youth.
As California’s population has grown to over 60 percent people of color today, the state has seen dramatic reductions in crime. Additionally, indicators of social health and safety — such as violence, violent death and school dropouts — have decreased significantly, and California has weathered the national opioid epidemic better than elsewhere in the country.
California’s positive trends and lower levels of crime, particularly among young people, occurred alongside its transition to an all-minority state. These findings refute claims that increasing immigration will negatively impact society, or that “sanctuary cities,” such as those found in California, cause increased crime.
Violent crime rates and population by race/ethnicity among youth ages 10 – 17, 1980 – 2015 Read the full report “Refuting Fear: Immigration, Youth and California’s Stunning Declines in Crime and Violence” » For more information about this report or to schedule an interview with the author, please contact the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice at cjcjmedia@cjcj.org or (415) 621‑5661 x 121. Cameo House resident completes program and gives backCJCJ congratulates and celebrates Jessica Salazar for all of her accomplishments, volunteering at Cameo House, and dedication to her goals.
Congratulations to CJCJ client, Jessica Salazar, for completing the Cameo House program! Jessica not only graduated from the program, but she now volunteers her extra time during the week to assist the Cameo House staff and residents!
Cameo House is a gender responsive, residential, alternative sentencing program for justice-involved, homeless, pregnant, or parenting women and their children. It is a supportive therapeutic community that focuses on recovery, sober living, life skills, parenting, family reunification, and independent living.
“Cameo House enabled me to build a solid foundation for my daughter and me from rock bottom,” said Jessica. “The program provided us with the safe, healthy, nurturing environment we needed to rebuild our lives, our bond, and to thrive.”
Apart from volunteering for CJCJ, Jessica is working towards a career as an addiction treatment counselor. She is currently taking conflict resolution courses, and plans to enroll in more classes this fall to achieve her goals. Congratulations again, Jessica!
Learn more about Cameo House »Donate to support CJCJ’s service programs »
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