Community Conversations on Criminal Justice: Role of Faith Leaders

ACRF was privileged to join community leaders, business leaders, elected and appointed officials and faith leaders in a morning of conversation on policies that help or hinder the cause of justice in our criminal legal system. ACRF CEO Dr. Scott spoke with elected officials and the new Director of the state Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Re-Entry --Dr. Ryan Thoornell--on the need for a recognition of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (or ACES) in the lives and life chances of those impacted by the system, their families and communities. Dr. Scott spoke of the critical role of faith groups on helping people restore lives. African Americans and Latinos are disprorortionately affected by uneven criminal legal systems and laws, and elected officials were urged to consider legislative changes to correct these inequities.

Loretta Sanders seals prison records; people get a new chance at life!

Dr. Scott was joined by Pastor Aubrey Barnwell, Chair, African American Christian Clergy Coalition; Cynthia Hardy, Congregational Church of Chandler and Loretta Sanders. All are actively involved in helping formerly incarcerated individuals restore their lives. We are grateful to Pastor David Wade of Historic Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Brian Fox and the Chandler Chamber of Commerce for hosting this phenomenal event.