News

partnership with the flcct

Thanks to the support of the Stand Together Foundation and their #GiveTogetherNow campaign, LSJA has been able to provide direct financial support to many of our participants who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. We are so grateful to partner with the Financial Literacy Coalition of Central Texas (FLCCT). The FLCCT will provide financial advice for managing both our LSJA’s cash transfer and the stimulus checks many just received. We appreciate the FLCCT for stepping up and supporting their community during this crisis.

GIVE TOGETHER NOW

LSJA is grateful to take part in #GiveTogetherNow, a rapid response effort to provide cash assistance to families most affected by the COVID-19. The Stand Together and Family Independence Initiative have partnered with nonprofits like LSJA to identify households in need of immediate assistance. Once eligible households are verified, they will receive a one-time cash deposit of $500. Families can use this to best meet their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you wish to support those in crisis, we welcome you to visit GiveTogetherNow.org where 100% of your donations go directly to impacted families

gUBERNATORIAL PARDONS PROGRAM

Governor Abbott announced a gubernatorial pardons program that offers a second chance to survivors with criminal convictions resulting from their abuse or exploitation. LSJA is grateful for our ongoing partnership with the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as we work together to develop a stronger justice system that promotes redemption, restoration, and transformation. LSJA will begin submitting applications on behalf of individuals. 

The Innocence Initiative Wins! ​

The first-ever Impact Austin Social Innovation Grant will support "The Innocence Initiative," a multifaceted approach to identify and eliminate disparities that perpetuate the adultification of Black girls through advocacy, training, and public awareness.
The $110,000 award goes to the collaborative of MEASURE Austin, Girl Scouts of Central Texas, Hearts2Heal, Lone Star Justice Alliance, and Community Advocacy and Healing Project. Thank you to over 500 women of Impact Austin! 

RACIAL EQUITY NOW

We are THRILLED to be named to the #DallasTRHT inaugural class for Racial Equity NOW Cohort, supported through a partnership with the Caruth Fund! LSJA is committed to racial equity in the criminal justice system and this cohort will provide us the tools, resources and training to launch our racial equity work under the leadership of our incredible Yulise Reaves Waters. 

Transformative justice retreat

Stakeholders from Williamson and Dallas counties joined the Lone Star Justice Alliance, our health and human service partners, and our evaluation team for a two and half day retreat in San Antonio, Texas to launch the new Transformative Justice Model. Stay tuned for a full recap of this amazing event. 

18TH ANNUAL ZEALOUS ADVOCACY CONFERENCE

Elizabeth Henneke was on the faculty at the 18th Annual Zealous Advocacy Conference hosted by the Center for Children, Law & Policy and the Southwest Juvenile Defender Center. The conference is the premier professional development training for juvenile defense attorneys practicing in the Southwestern United States. 

Kids behind bars: life or parole

This A&E TV show, which tells the individual stories of eight previously convicted juveniles sentenced to mandatory life terms without parole, had an episode focusing on Bobby Gonzales in which he seeks legal representation from Lone Star Justice Alliance. The episode also highlighted Lone Star Justice Alliance's direct representation work. 

Bobby's story aired on May 21, 2019 ​at 10 pm on the A&E channel​

essential criminal justice: race

Our Executive Director, Elizabeth Henneke, gave a talk at Leadership Austin's class day on criminal justice on March 27, 2019 at the ​Austin Bar Association. The class aimed to help participants understand key components of the criminal justice system, explain its impact on community issues, and recognize the challenges and opportunities to improve the criminal justice system in Grater Austin

To learn more about Leadership Austin's programs, click the button below