Hi <<First Name>>,
Welcome to the spring newsletter! In this issue you'll hear about a partnership with St. Kate's, celebrate our recent Employment Advantage graduates, and more. As you read, I hope you will consider how you might get involved. Amicus is a community of dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and individuals determined to build a better path forward. We couldn't do what we do without your partnership and support. Thank you!
Chris Doege, Senior Director of Community Justice
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Partnership with St. Catherine University
In a recent collaboration, graduate and doctoral Physical Therapy students in St. Catherine University's Racism, the Criminal Justice System, and Health course connected with our Sisters Helping Sisters (SHS) program and Roseville Residential Reentry Center.
This immersive experience focused on hands-on learning in community settings that include marginalized populations with a lack of access to comprehensive health care services. Students spent time preparing, engaging with the community, and reflecting on the importance of environmental influences on health and well-being, in particular social and cultural influences.
Beyond engaging in academic exploration, students spent time connecting with women at our Roseville Residential Reentry Center, listening to their stories and gaining insight into the challenges and triumphs of reintegration. They also embraced the opportunity to make a difference by creating "coming home bags" for SHS graduates, packed with essentials and tokens of care to ease their reentry into society.
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Students also utilized their health care expertise to create posters addressing topics like self-care and life skills, providing helpful resources for the women at Roseville Residential Reentry Center as they navigate the complexities of post-release life.
"It is our intent that students who participate in this immersive experience will gain a better understanding of the challenges and lived experience of people who are currently or formerly incarcerated," says Lisa Adams, Amicus Chaplain and SHS Program Coordinator.
Most students are shocked when they learn about the disparities in access to quality health care inside prisons and by the stories of women who have been treated as 'less than' by health care professionals due to their histories of incarceration.
"It is my hope that by making personal connections with women who are justice-impacted, these students will move into their careers with a deeper understanding of the inequalities existing within the health care system and aware of their own biases and the role they can play in changing the narrative within health care and beyond," Lisa adds.
After the course, one student reflected, "I really appreciate your team's positive energy. One thing I took away from my time with Amicus and will share with my peers is that committing a crime is an action, but we should be wary of labeling someone as a criminal. It is what they did, not who they are. They are still human and a part of our society."
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Employment Advantage Graduation
Amicus recently celebrated the latest graduates from our Employment Advantage program. This milestone is a testament to the transformative power of support and empowerment in the face of significant challenges.
The Employment Advantage program equips participants with essential skills and strategies vital for securing and maintaining employment. Through personalized coaching and guidance, participants develop personal portfolios, refine interview techniques, and learn proactive ways to address their past. These tools are instrumental in overcoming the unique challenges they face in the job market.
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"The graduation from our Employment Advantage program highlights the resilience and determination of each participant. Each graduate embodies the spirit of perseverance, overcoming obstacles that might have seemed insurmountable. Employment is not just about finding a job; it's about reclaiming dignity and building a foundation for a better future," says Chris Doege, Senior Director of Community Justice. "We celebrate their success and commend their dedication to personal growth and self-sufficiency."
As these graduates step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and support gained through the Employment Advantage program. With their newfound confidence and abilities, they are poised to make meaningful contributions to their communities and inspire others to believe in the power of second chances.
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Thank you, Champions of Change
We are grateful that so many of you were able to join us at the second annual Champions of Change event on April 18. Seeing the Amicus community come together, witnessing the power of shared stories, and experiencing the genuine care with which this community cheers each other on is truly inspiring. And at Amicus, we carry this energy forward into our work every day. Thank you to all those who made this event possible!
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