A 2nd-Chance

We are creating libraries for children and young adults who otherwise would not have access to any reading material. We recognize that these centers disproportionately house underrepresented youth, so we ensure that the inclusion of literature that not only educates but also reflects the diverse racial and cultural backgrounds of the detainees. Our initiative has donated over 1,300 books so far, and the feedback has been very positive. The Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia was thankful for our first donation of 215 books and excited to start a book club. Susan Smith from the Paul T. Leahy Center praised our work and asked for books in Portuguese and about Queer characters to better serve their diverse youth. This feedback confirms the value of our efforts and shows a clear need for more inclusive and diverse literature.

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Here are the centers that we have serviced so far 

 

• Juvenile Justice in Philadelphia, PA - 350 residents; ages 12-20 

• DYS Paul T. Leahy Center in Worcester, MA - 20 residents; ages 12-18

• Southeast Alabama Diversion Center in Birmingham, AL- 49 residents; ages 12-18

• Bridgeport Juve Detention Center in Bridgeport, CT - 12; 13 -17

• Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark, NJ - 130 residents; ages 14-24

• Harborfields Atlantic Youth Center in Harbor City, NJ - 20 residents; ages 14-18

• Bergen County Juvenile Center - 21 residents; ages 12-21

• Illinois Youth Center in Chicago, IL - 30 residents; ages 10-18

• Ross-Bell Jefferson County Youth Detention Center in Birmingham, AL - 50 residents; ages 10-18