Author name: Leon El-Alamin

Inaugural National Reentry Housing Symposium Brings Together Federal, State, and Local Officials State and local authorities are increasingly acknowledging the importance of secure, cost-effective housing as a fundamental element for a successful reentry process. Nevertheless, considerable obstacles persist in gaining access to housing during community reintegration, including a shortage of available housing, excessively strict housing […]

The signing of prison reform took place in Saginaw on Saturday. In Saginaw, State Representative Amos O’Neal gathered signatures on Saturday for Michigan’s Good Times petition, advocating for the inclusion of the Good Times Bill on the ballot. The bill seeks to credit prisoners for positive behavior and lifestyle changes, aligning with Michigan Justice Advocacy’s

Michigan Court Decision Offers Hope for Shorter Sentences to Over 250 Life-Term Prisoners The court stated that the 2022 decision, which prohibits automatic life sentences for individuals who were 18 at the time of a murder, can be retroactively applied to prisoners already in custody, including those who have been incarcerated for many years. Read

Michigan prison stays cost $48K per year; here’s how that breaks down One-fifth of the cost of a prison stay is health care and mental health, per the Michigan Department of Corrections Read More… Michigan Capitol Confidential – Michigan prison stays cost $48K per year

The strong economic case for hiring people with criminal records Research suggests that employees with criminal records are far less likely to quit their jobs, perhaps due to a greater sense of loyalty. Read More… BIG THINK – The Case for Hiring People with Criminal Records

ANNOUNCING OUR CLIMATE FUND GRANTEES IN MICHIGAN CIV:LAB and its Michigan Advisory Committee are excited to announce the Michigan Grantees for the 2023 Climate Fund. These ten organizations are working to create a better Michigan for current and future residents and we couldn’t be happier to help. Read More… CIV Lab Climate Change – Climate

In Michigan, a state often associated with progressive policies, the criminal justice system has some of the harshest carceral practices in the nation.

JUST Capital: JP Morgan, Slack among companies investing in formerly incarcerated workers Just 5% of the businesses listed in the Russell 1000 index offer job opportunities to individuals with prior convictions or a history of criminal offenses. Brandon Gomez explores the efforts made by companies to promote fairness in employment opportunities and identifies areas for

In these articles, we showcase the transformative impact of the MADE Institute in Flint, Michigan, led by founder Leon El-Alamin, providing housing and support to individuals transitioning from incarceration. These maroon-painted porches have aided over 1,000 returning citizens by offering vital services and mentorship. Simultaneously, they explore the broader Labor Day theme, highlighting the struggles