JustDane is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $100,000 Good Neighbor Grant from Ascendium Education Group.
JustDane is one of 10 recipients of a $100,000 Good Neighbor Grant, as nominated and voted on by Ascendium employees.
This grant will help us continue to support our community by funding our reentry and employment training services for criminal-legal system impacted individuals. This aligns with our agency’s mission to help transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community.
There are many obstacles an individual may face when returning to the community after incarceration. JustDane Initiatives are aimed to support individuals as they reenter the community, which has resulted in a 9-15% 2-year recidivism rate – compared to the state average of 67%. Funds received will support our reentry services, that include Journey Home, Circles of Support and Peer Support. Journey Home helps them connect to resources such as food, housing, employment, education and transportation. Circles of Support connects a person in reentry with a team of volunteers that meet on a weekly basis to provide support and guidance. Peer Support pairs individuals in reentry with a Certified Peer Support Specialist, who provides one-on-one support. Funds will also be used to support Just Bakery, a vocational and educational training program for individuals with significant barriers to employment such as homelessness, justice involvement, lack of education and/or lack of work history of skills.
Individuals who participate in these programs are able to connect to resources in the community and find both the support needed to overcome obstacles and the skills to pursue jobs with living wages. All of our initiatives align with our vision of a community where everyone has a chance to succeed.
“We are honored to partner with supporters who believe in the dignity and potential of every person. This gift strengthens JustDane’s reentry work and multiplies our ability to help individuals navigate their return home with confidence and a strong foundation for a new start.”
— Kathy Eckenrod, Development Director, JustDane
Good Neighbor Grants are part of Ascendium’s employee giving program, Ascendium Cares. Because Ascendium is a mission-driven nonprofit, employees often have strong connections to other nonprofits providing services that help people. Their expertise and direct involvement in Good Neighbor Grants provide an opportunity to recognize organizations doing good in their community. It’s one of many ways for employees to engage with Ascendium’s mission to improve outcomes, particularly in education and workforce training for learners from low-income backgrounds.
Since 2021, 100 nonprofits have received a Good Neighbor Grant, which allows them to continue going above and beyond to create education and workforce training opportunities in their communities.
