Investing Justice Resources to Address Community Needs highlights Colorado’s Work and Gain Education and Employment Skills (WAGEES) program, which represents one of the first partnerships between a state department of corrections and local community organizations to invest in expansive, community-driven public safety goals. The report describes the WAGEES program and shares lessons learned for other states interested in exploring a community-based public safety investment strategy. Qualitative interviews with stakeholders suggest that directing resources to community-based organizations can strengthen efforts to support people returning home from prison.
Key takeaways include:
- Each community has unique needs and, as such, programs should give community partners the opportunity to address those needs in a way best suited to the community.
- Community partners should reflect the populations they serve.
- Local community advocacy organizations can be catalysts and create momentum for change.
- Building relationships across agencies, communities, and people most impacted by the criminal justice system is key to success.
- Sharing information across partners and within the community fosters shared goals and a culture of building knowledge.
An overview of the policy brief can be found in this one-page executive summary.
I had the opportunity to visit FIVE State Prisons in Colorado to speak with incarcerated mothers and fathers who are either currently participating in POM classes or have enrolled to participate in their respective facilities. With this strategy incarcerated families are better prepared for family reunification when both parents–those in the neighborhoods and those incarcerated–are learning the same the principles on parent leadership.
ased organizations in Aurora, Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Ft. Collins, Greeley, Pueblo and Grand Junction that has strengthened not only these programs but has also elevated the role of formerly incarcerated people in this field.