In a significant move towards addressing the complex needs of individuals with justice system involvement in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Valley of the Sun United Way has unveiled the Fair Chance Collaborative. This initiative, catalyzed by a generous $500,000 investment from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, aims to provide comprehensive support to this marginalized population.
The Fair Chance Collaborative will integrate various services, including job training, placement, housing assistance, healthcare access, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurial training. By adopting a holistic approach, the initiative seeks to break down barriers to reintegration faced by justice-involved individuals and facilitate their successful transition back into society.
Carla Vargas Jasa, president and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives beyond their past mistakes. “Involvement in the justice system and past mistakes should not define a person’s future and hamper them from future opportunities to succeed after completing their legal obligations,” she stated. Through the collaborative efforts outlined in Valley of the Sun United Way’s MC2026 plan, the organization is committed to expanding Fair Chance hiring practices and support services to ensure equitable opportunities for all members of the community.
The need for such initiatives is underscored by staggering statistics. Nationally, approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in every 3 adults, have a criminal record. Arizona, in particular, faces challenges, ranking 8th in the country for incarceration rates. Moreover, individuals with a history of incarceration encounter significant barriers to employment, with national unemployment rates exceeding 27%. Despite these challenges, studies have shown that the value these individuals bring to organizations is comparable to or even higher than that of their counterparts without criminal records.
Noreen Bishop, managing director and head of Arizona for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, echoed the sentiment of providing equitable opportunities, stating, “Everyone deserves a fair chance.” JPMorgan Chase commended Valley of the Sun United Way for its commitment to addressing the multifaceted needs of justice-involved individuals and expressed support for the collaborative efforts aimed at fostering inclusive economic opportunities.
The Fair Chance Collaborative invites participation from various stakeholders, including employers, service providers, educational institutions, government agencies, community leaders, and individuals with justice system involvement. By fostering collaboration and leveraging resources, the initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers individuals to pursue meaningful employment and achieve sustainable success.
Parties interested in learning more about the Fair Chance Collaborative are encouraged to reach out to Valley of the Sun United Way’s Vannessa Moreno at vmoreno@vsuw.org.
Valley of the Sun United Way continues to drive impactful change through its MC2026 plan, which focuses on addressing critical issues in health, housing, homelessness, education, and workforce development in Maricopa County. To learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way and its initiatives, visit http://www.vsuw.org. For information about the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, visit http://www.jpmorganchase.com/impact.
In a society where second chances are often elusive, initiatives like the Fair Chance Collaborative exemplify the power of collective action in creating pathways to redemption, opportunity, and empowerment for all individuals, regardless of their past experiences.