Reform Alliance Archives - Page 2 of 2

Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin, and REFORM Alliance Unite to Clear Restitution Debts for Women on Probation/Parole

May 16, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Today, the nonprofit criminal justice reform organization REFORM Alliance, in partnership with co-chair Michael Rubin and Kim Kardashian, is announcing their collaboration to alleviate the financial burdens of over fifty mothers trapped in the probation and parole system. These women hail from various locations including New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, Los Angeles County, Florida, Virginia, and Illinois.

Through the joint efforts of REFORM Alliance, Michael Rubin, and Kim Kardashian, the restitution, fines, and fees of these mothers will be paid off. This significant step will enable most of them to terminate their supervision or become eligible for early termination, a move that has garnered the endorsement of many of their probation officers.

Among the beneficiaries of this relief is Danielle Davis, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2012, Danielle was convicted of a nonviolent offense and sentenced to twenty-three months of parole and three years of probation. Unfortunately, when her sentence was scheduled to conclude in 2017, an additional twenty-three months of parole and three years of probation were added, not due to any new crime or violation of probation conditions, but solely because of unpaid restitution. In 2022, her probation was extended for another three years.

Kim Kardashian expresses her empathy for the struggles faced by these mothers, stating, “It’s hard to fathom what these mothers have to go through. All they want is the chance to rebuild their lives, and yet our system keeps them trapped in an endless cycle of supervision. I want to do my part to give these women the second chance they’ve earned. I urge lawmakers and advocates across the country to work toward changing outdated laws that keep too many people unnecessarily behind bars. I will continue to bring awareness to these important issues until there is change.”

Throughout the eleven years of Danielle’s supervision, she has had no violations and no encounters with the law. As a mother of four, she has recently undergone two open heart surgeries and struggles to meet her probation reporting requirements, including the burdensome task of traveling from Philadelphia to Media, PA to meet with her probation officer despite not owning a car. While living on a fixed income, she makes monthly payments ranging from $50 to $100. Danielle confesses, “I thought I’d die on probation” because she could not afford to settle the full amount she owes.

Together, Kim Kardashian and Michael Rubin are relieving Danielle of the remaining balance of her restitution, fines, and fees, along with more than 50 other women facing similar circumstances.

“Probation and parole were meant to support people as they re-entered society,” explains Michael Rubin. “But instead, these systems keep people stuck. Forcing people to remain on supervision because they can’t pay restitution is deeply unjust – and it doesn’t improve public safety one bit. REFORM Alliance is committed to transforming probation and parole and getting people out of the system for good so that they can be back with their families, contribute to their communities, and move on to live productive lives.”

This initiative will liberate the women from the trap of constant supervision and provide them with a foundation for rebuilding their lives. These mothers have demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation and have successfully complied with the terms of their supervision without any violations. Additionally, many of them have the support of their supervising officers in terminating their supervision once their financial obligations are fulfilled.

Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin, and REFORM Alliance aim to raise awareness about the flaws in our parole and probation systems while supporting this deserving group of women on Mother’s Day.

“These women have shown a true commitment to transforming their lives,” states Jessica Jackson, REFORM’s Chief Advocacy & Operations Officer. “Like many other mothers still ensnared in the system, they’re taking responsibility and striving for a better future for their families. It’s time for all of us to do our part to support them, and to create a criminal justice system that truly prioritizes public safety. I hope these women have a beautiful Mother’s Day and that this effort helps them move on with their lives.”

Jessica, a mother of three, has been serving as REFORM’s Chief Advocacy & Operations Officer since the organization’s inception in 2019. Her personal experience with the criminal justice system came when her then-husband was incarcerated due to an offense related to his addiction, shortly after the birth of their first daughter, Hannah. This firsthand encounter motivated Jessica to dedicate her career to criminal justice reform.

REFORM Alliance is fully committed to the transformation of probation and parole practices throughout the United States. They aim to achieve this by advocating for changes in laws, systems, and the overall culture surrounding criminal justice. Their vision is to replace America’s current criminal justice system with a restorative approach that emphasizes fairness, accountability, and rehabilitation. Collaborating with local, bipartisan coalitions, REFORM Alliance has successfully contributed to the passage of 16 pieces of legislation in 10 states. These legislative achievements have paved the way for approximately 650,000 individuals to exit the criminal justice system.

In order to identify the women who will benefit from their efforts, REFORM Alliance has worked closely with community-based organizations and supervision agencies across the country. By partnering with these entities, they have been able to ensure that their support reaches those who truly need it. A list of organizations is available below.

· Above All Odds

· Sappho Fulton, Womxn Beyond Borders

· Pennsylvania Department of Corrections

· Court Collections Unit for Court of Common Pleas, Cumberland County

· Mayor Levar Stoney (Richmond, VA)

· Nolef Turns

· Neighborhood Resource Center

· Fail Safe ERA

· NY Dept of Probation

· Sister I Can Help (IL)

· Living on Purpose ATL

· Motherhood Beyond Bars

· Lifechangers Legacy

· World Harvest Prison Ministry

· R.E.S.T.O.R.E Duval

· Anti-Recidivism Coalition

· Ladies of Hope Ministries

The post Kim Kardashian, Michael Rubin, and REFORM Alliance Unite to Clear Restitution Debts for Women on Probation/Parole appeared first on The Source.

Meek Mill Meets With Jay-Z, Robert Kraft, & More

January 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Meek Mill shared photos from a recent star-studded meet-up with Jay-Z, Robert Kraft, Michael Rubin, and more on Instagram, Tuesday. The group appeared to be celebrating Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro while representing their non-profit, REFORM Alliance.

“Started reform in nyc with @reform ended the home in PA to welcome @joshshapiropa as governor!” Meek captioned the post. “Today was incredible sometimes too much to process.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 09: Jay-Z and Meek Mill attend 2019 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on February 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)

2 Chainz praised Meek for his efforts in the comments section of the post. He wrote: “You be in the right rooms Killa.”

The REFORM Alliance page also replied: “You’ll always win when you move with love and genuine intentions. With @meekmill’s leadership we’ve passed 16 bills in 10 states.”

Meek Mill founded the organization in partnership with Michael Rubin, Jay-Z, Michael Novogratz, Clara Wu Tsai, and Daniel Loeb in January 2019. The organization “aims to transform probation and parole by changing laws, systems and culture to create real pathways to work and wellbeing.”

Michael Rubin also shared a collection of photos from the event congratulating Shapiro on his victory.

The post comes a day after Shapiro was sworn in as the new Governor of Pennsylvania. The ceremony was held outside the state Capitol, months after his victory over Doug Mastriano.

“Now is the time to join together behind the unifying strength of three simple truths that have sustained our nation over the past two-and-a-half centuries: that above all else, beyond any momentary political differences, we value our freedom, we cherish our democracy and we love this country,” Shapiro told the crowd.

Check out Meek’s post featuring pictures from the recent event below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meek Mill (@meekmill)

[Via]

Meek Mill Posted Bail For 20 Philadelphia Women So They Could Spend The Holidays With Their Families

December 26, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Meek Mill smiles 2022 World Series Game 5 — Getty Image

Meek Mill deactivated his Twitter account last week as one of countless people who have been dissatisfied since Elon Musk took over the app. Meek seemingly had a much better relationship with former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who donated $10 million to Reform Alliance, a non-profit aimed at criminal justice reform launched by Meek alongside Jay-Z and Michael Rubin in early 2019.

Meek Mill is too busy to tweet anyway. While Meek performed “Dreams And Nightmares” at the World Series in Philadelphia, his relationship with his hometown is anything but performative — from donating $15 million to 110 Philly schools earlier this year to his latest act of goodwill. According to Reform, the multi-platinum rapper posted bail for 20 women incarcerated at Philadelphia’s Riverside Correctional Facility.

“The women, who were unable to afford bail, will now be able to spend the holiday season with their families and loved ones. Five women were released today and will be reunited with their families, with the goal of 15 more women being released in the coming week,” the organization explained on Instagram.

“For families impacted by the criminal justice system, the holidays can be an extremely challenging time,” Meek said in a statement shared by Reform. “No one should have to spend the holidays in jail simply because they can’t afford bail, and no child should be without their parents during this time if we can do something about it. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help these women be with their families and loved ones during this special time of year.”

In November 2017, Meek Mill was arrested and hit with a fishy two-to-four-year sentence for violating his probation by riding motorbikes, travel issues, et al. He appealed the sentence in April 2018, which was denied, but he walked free later that month after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered his immediate release. Meek’s original 2008 conviction was eventually vacated in 2019. (The “batsh*t crazy” judge who oversaw Meek’s case, Genece Brinkley, was recently reassigned to civil court, per The Philadelphia Inquirer.)

Since enduring all of that, Meek has dedicated himself to serving others. He supported New York’s “Rap On Trial” law in May and, through Reform, has been involved in probation reformation being passed in California and Michigan in years past.

Meek Mill is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Reform Alliance Names Kim Spitaleri as Its First Chief Marketing Officer

September 14, 2022 by newhiphopnews

Kim Spitaleri has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer by REFORM Alliance, which will oversee the group’s recently established marketing division. Kim will create the long-term marketing plan, activations, and brand innovation for REFORM. Kim will play a crucial part as the organization continues to advance its goal to revolutionize supervision by altering laws, procedures, and culture to offer genuine routes to employment and well-being.

America’s probation and parole system have to be replaced with a restorative strategy that is fair, responsible, and committed to recovery. The organization’s mission is to help people successfully reintegrate into society while enhancing the safety and well-being of families and communities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim to our team,” said REFORM CEO Robert Rooks. “As we continue to raise awareness about the need to transform our probation and parole system, innovation will be fundamental to taking our movement to new heights. As Chief Marketing Officer, Kim will lead the strategic direction for our marketing presence, spearheading efforts to bring REFORM’s mission to new audiences by implementing creative campaigns and designing dynamic and impactful events. Her leadership will be key to advancing our growth and impact.”

Kim has over 20 years of experience in a variety of marketing fields. Kim joins us most recently from Estée Lauder Companies, where she served as Vice President, Global Consumer Marketing, eCommerce & Omnichannel at Tom Ford Beauty, shaping the brand strategy, creating disruptive marketing activations, and driving record-breaking growth. She is uniquely qualified to lead marketing transformation in that role. She led the global opening of the Tom Ford Beauty retail locations during her time there, diversified social media, and opened up e-commerce in China, tripling revenues.

“I couldn’t be happier to join REFORM given the current state of affairs and the inequities regularly occurring in our criminal justice system,” said Kim Spitaleri. “We want to change the narrative by sharing the facts and creating emotional connections to amplify REFORM’s reach.”

Kim worked for MAC Cosmetics for five years as the company’s vice president of global and North American consumer marketing and artist relations. Before joining the Tom Ford cosmetics line, she helped the renowned VIVA GLAM lipstick become the best-selling item, with all profits going to regional groups that serve those afflicted by or living with HIV/AIDS. Before joining the Tom Ford cosmetics line, she oversaw and coordinated marketing efforts across many divisions.

She worked for Starwood Hotels & Resorts for seven years before Marriott acquired it, spending more than ten years there. She held executive positions inside several organizations in North America, including W Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, and the portfolio of brands. Most notably, she encouraged the growth into international markets and helped establish the W Hotels brand in its early years.

One of the essential aspects in determining reentry success, reducing recidivism, and establishing long-term stability for people, families, and communities is employment possibilities. Since the company’s founding in 2019, REFORM has helped more than 650,000 people find options to leave the criminal justice system by passing 16 pieces of bipartisan legislation in 10 states. In addition to working on legislation, REFORM is committed to fostering employment possibilities for long-term success in the labor market.

REFORM launched a series of job fair events in late 2021, and since then, it has staged two sizable gatherings that offered complete one-stop services and community involvement. Nearly 10,000 people had access to career prospects thanks to the two events in New York and Philadelphia, and 25% of registrants received job offers. In 2023, more job fair occasions are anticipated to be declared nationwide.

The post Reform Alliance Names Kim Spitaleri as Its First Chief Marketing Officer appeared first on The Source.

REFORM Alliance and Hire! Philly to Host Job Fair at Wells Fargo Center

May 25, 2022 by newhiphopnews

The REFORM Alliance and Hire! Philly announced that they will host the “REFORM Alliance Philadelphia Job Fair” at the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday, June 9th to revive the city’s workforce and economy. The Philadelphia 76ers, Amazon, Fanatics, NAACP Philadelphia, and Wells Fargo Center are all supporting the event.

The job fair, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, is accessible to the public and aims to provide a critical channel for formerly jailed people, single parents, and veterans to find work. Poverty alleviation, expungement assistance, and workforce development programs will also be available at the event. According to recent research co-released by Fines and Fees Justice Center and REFORM Alliance, two out of every three people on probation earn less than $20,000 per year, with over 40% earning less than $10,000. According to the Pew Charitable Trusts, Philadelphia’s 12.2 percent average unemployment rate is 50 percent higher than the national average.

“Jobs mean strong families, safe communities, and a healthy economy,” said Robert Rooks, CEO of REFORM Alliance. “System-impacted people constitute a ready and willing workforce but face significant barriers to employment. With this job fair, we want to empower people with hope, dignity, confidence, and access to opportunity so that they can thrive.”

“People need jobs to provide for themselves and support their families. Yet too many Philadelphians are locked out of the economy because of their criminal history or other barriers,” said Jessica Jackson, Chief Advocacy Officer of REFORM Alliance. “This job fair is an opportunity to break down those barriers and help anyone trying to get back on their feet. We have an amazing group of partners, volunteers and employers ready to make this a one stop shop for a better future.”

“At Hire! Philly we believe that connecting people to employment is the first step in placing them on a path to economic mobility. However, having access to quality jobs is far too often a challenge for people with significant barriers such as a criminal background. So we work very intentionally to design hiring events that meet job seekers where they are and include access to community resources that address workforce barriers,” said Kathryn Epps Roberson, Executive Director of Hire! Philly. “Attendees will be able to engage with dozens of our employer and community partners during the event but will also be able to maintain those connections and access additional job opportunities through our web-based employment support platform, PropelPHL, beyond the event.” This is the second job fair hosted by REFORM Alliance. Last year, Roc Nation and REFORM collaborated on an employment and resource event at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The post REFORM Alliance and Hire! Philly to Host Job Fair at Wells Fargo Center appeared first on The Source.

Meek Mill Celebrates His Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award With A New Freestyle

August 14, 2021 by newhiphopnews

Earlier this week, Meek Mill became the first rapper to receive the Nelson Mandela Changemaker Award. The honor came via the invite-only entity PTTOW! (Plan To Take On The World!), who recognized the Philly native for his work through REFORM Alliance. After he received the award, Meek took to Instagram to celebrate. “Blessings… I got the Nelson Mandela Humanitarian Award,” he wrote. “Thank you … Rip to the great Nelson Mandela, ‘I ain’t grow up playing ball I had a Smith & [Wesson] because where I’m from it’s very hard to turn 27’ #survivors.” Shortly after he shared the post, the rapper returned with some new work.

Meek shared “Mandela Freestyle,” which finds him detailing his struggles with the legal system and his dedication to reform. “Motivate the people where I come from, my requirement / Say it loud, ‘I won’t be a product of my environment,’” he raps, later adding, “Took them bars they locked me in and made it a rap / I took them cells that they gave us and I made it a plaque.”

The freestyle comes a week after Meek dropped a video for “War Stories,” in which he details his harsh past while showing him eating dinner with his team and hanging out with other rappers, including Bobby Shmurda, Jim Jones, Quavo, Lil Uzi Vert, and more.

You can watch the video for Meek’s “Mandela Freestyle” above.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.