At Best Starts we work to build equitable systems that support young people in living healthy, happy, and safe lives. Within our Stopping the School-to-Prison Pipeline (SSPP) strategy, that work includes creating supports for young people who are more likely to be pushed into the criminal legal system due to systemic racism. We work with community partners to support young people identify their strengths and grow into their potential, build community connections, deliver resources, and support alternatives to the juvenile legal system. .
Learn more about our SSSP strategy by reading our one-pager.
We’re excited to announce 10 community organizations that were awarded to support the Best Starts SSPP strategy:
Choose 180
African American Leadership Forum
East African Community Services
Neighborhood House
Pro Se Potential
Black Star Line ACFEC
Urban Native Education Alliance
Glover Empower Mentoring
Creative Justice
Comunidad Latina de Vashon
A look at the work ahead
The SSPP strategy reaches about 1,400 young people by funding programing that builds connections to community-defined pathways to success, alternatives to harmful punitive practices, and in driving policy and systems changes to the juvenile legal system. Read what the 10 awarded community organizations will be working toward on the SSPP strategy in their own words: