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.
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.
