The Arc

How do we maintain the safety and dignity of LGBTQ+ youth through their mandated contact with city systems—schools, foster care, and juvenile justice? Our Youth Justice Board is seeking to answer that question.

We're proud of the work we do at the Center for Court Innovation and especially proud of our staff. As we mark our 25th anniversary, we're introducing you to 25 people on our team who help us pursue justice and equity, and create safe, healthy, and thriving communities.

As program associate of the Youth Justice Board, Jennelle Ramdeen helps young people acquire skills to research and make recommendations about public policy issues that affect their lives. She teaches participants “how to think critically, make connections, [and] have the tools to analyze and be responsible researchers." 

Strong relationships create safer and healthier school environments—for both students and educators. 

The evidence is clear: studies conducted across the U.S. have repeatedly found that a smaller criminal system will make us safer.

Hailey Nolasco, director of Community-Based Violence Prevention at the Center, leads the RISE (Reimagining Intimacy through Social Engagement) Project, which addresses the intersection between gun violence and intimate partner violence. She also leads the Brownsville Consortium, which provides training and technical assistance to support anti-violence organizations in Brownsville to help them expand and strengthen their roles as part of New York City’s Crisis Management System.

Decades of data and experience point to the same truth: We cannot incarcerate ourselves to safety. 

The way to achieve safety for everyone starts with the community.

Gun violence is up in cities across the U.S., but by working side-by-side with communities, we can stop it.

Herb Sturz launched pivotal justice reforms in New York and beyond—we honor his leadership and enduring contributions to the transformation of government and justice. 

For 25 years, the Center for Court Innovation has invested in community-driven models for safety and justice.

With your help, we put people and their individual needs at the forefront of justice. Here is a small sample of what your support has allowed us to do.