We were able to hire our first ever full time program coordinator. Her name is Grace Sekulidis (she/her) and she came to us from the University of Michigan. Sekulidis has her Master of Social Work with a focus on community organization and social systems. And is working towards her social work-macro full license. She is super excited to join the ABW team. She did her undergrad at Michigan State University (Go Green!), where she participated in the InsideOut program and attended a class in the Parnell Correctional facility. A fun fact about Sekulidis is she has been a vegetarian since she was 10 years old and enjoys fishing.  Sekulidis will be focusing on all things programs and volunteers, as well as many other things along the way. Welcome Grace, we are super excited to have you!!!

Adam Kouraimi remembers the satisfaction of receiving his first college report card in prison about four years ago. 

He'd been incarcerated since age 15. Growing up, getting straight A's in school seemed like the stuff of legends. So when he received 4.0's in art and American history courses through Jackson College, it was a "game changer."

Kouraimi, 35, is out of prison now and is working toward his bachelor's degree in digital media production. The Ypsilanti resident is part of a new pilot program at Eastern Michigan University that's guiding people as they pursue higher education and navigate the complexities of life after incarceration.

Youth Justice Fund helps returning citizens heal in life after prison
20 formerly incarcerated men and women seek to heal at Youth Justice Fund “summer camp” designed to address their trauma of being imprisoned as youth. ​Kimberly P. Mitchell, Detroit Free Press

JAISHREE DREPAUL-BRUDER | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020

Read JAISHREE DREPAUL-BRUDER'S wonderful article in the link below!

​www.secondwavemedia.com/concentrate/features/abrighterway0553.aspx

This is the follow up to our 10/29 kick off event. People who attended that event are strongly encouraged to attend this event – and bring others who may be interested in getting involved.

Let’s get to work.

The primary feedback that we have gotten from the first Clearing A New Path session is that people want more time to talk and to make real plans for real action.