“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there "is" such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.
― Martin Luther King Jr.
LSJA recognizes the inherent shortcomings of a criminal justice system that is focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation. LSJA will provide a public health alternative for youth and emerging adults by developing and implementing innovative strategies for maximizing the supports and services needed to keep youth in the community where their needs are better met at a lower cost to the state. Through its alternative to incarceration program, LSJA will identify inefficiencies across siloed systems and will help communities realign their resources to reduce the criminogenic risk and maximize the potential of program participants. LSJA will also work to bring youth who were sentenced to adult prison back to their communities and support them as they harness the new opportunities available to them.
We are driven by the "fierce urgency of now." LSJA staff, board and supporters are motivated by an urgency to impact the lives of the juveniles and emerging adults that we serve, as each day that passes is a day lost in the fight for justice.
We are driven by the "fierce urgency of now." LSJA staff, board and supporters are motivated by an urgency to impact the lives of the juveniles and emerging adults that we serve, as each day that passes is a day lost in the fight for justice.
Our Logo
In 2008, LSJA's Executive Director had the amazing honor of clerking for the Constitutional Court of South Africa. She fell in love with their logo, which has become a symbol of justice throughout the world. Their symbol is a tree - something that protects, just like the Constitution. But this tree does not stand alone in the logo: it is sheltering people who have gathered under its branches. For years after leaving, Elizabeth pondered this African tradition of "justice under a tree," where the community comes together to hold individuals accountable but also to embrace them and address the trauma in their lives. This vision of justice has influenced much of the programs for LSJA. We are therefore hugely honored that the incredible team of Guy and Carolyn Parton, who were responsible for the Constitutional Court's logo, have designed the LSJA's logo pro bono.
