ARRO
Advocacy, Re-entry, Resources and Outreach (ARRO) is a
branch of our Outreach Program that connects ex-offenders
and their friends and families to quality resources to ensure
successful community reintegration. Click here for our
brochure!
ARRO Hosts Healing Circle For Spouses/Partners Of
Incarcerated Individuals
NorthWest Initiative’s ARRO Program will be hosting a
support group for partners and spouses of currently
incarcerated men and women. The group will focus on giving
helpful tips on how to successfully advocate for your
incarcerated loved one and be a support system for you. It will
be a great place to learn about services that can help you and
your loved one upon re-entry. The first healing circle will be
held on May 6, 2010 at 1012 N. Walnut St., Suite 107 from 5:
30-6:30. The group will be held every other Thursday until
November 18, 2010. Linda Archer, ARRO’s Advisory Board
Chairperson, will be coordinating this support group. For
questions or comments Linda can be reached at 999-2895 or
email Maria at maria@nwlansing.org
Ban-The-Box
For the past few years, A.R.R.O has tried to get some
momentum going for a city ordinance called “Ban the Box”.
Many other cities have attempted to adopt it. Kalamazoo has
been the first city in Michigan to do so. The ordinance requires
the removal of the box on job applications that asks if you
have ever been convicted of a felony. This ordinance would
eliminate the practice of applications being automatically
thrown into the trash with out proper consideration, a practice
that discriminates against ex-offenders. This ordinance
would allow a fair consideration of an individual based on
work experience and education rather than just on their
previous convictions. Once selected for a job interview the ex-
offender can let the employer know of their past record and
how he or she has been rehabilitated. At this point, the
employer can choose to run a background check on the
person and negotiate terms of employment if he or she is the
best candidate for the job. We all make mistakes, some
worse than others, but we all need a job to make a living and
not be a burden on society. Without the support of our
community, we can’t get these laws and ordinances changed
without you. To find out how you can help please call Monica
at 517-999-2895.
Join Our Ex-Offender Advisory Board
ARRO is seeking ex-offenders and community members
interested in joining the advisory board. This Advisory Board
will determine the program that will be helpful for people
reentering the community after serving time in a correctional
institution. If you or someone you know has ever been
incarcerated please call Maria or Monica at 999-2895. If you
do not wish to serve on the board, Maria and Monica would
still appreciate hearing your comments, and suggestions.
Please Donate Personal Needs Items!
We have many wonderful agencies providing shelter, a weeks
worth of food, some bus tokens, and other services. However
on many occasions people don’t think about other things that
one needs to keep a healthy and hygienic living environment.
One of the rising needs we have found among our re-entering
population is personal needs items. ARRO is taking
monetary donations or unused personal needs items. Items
being accepted are feminine products, toothbrushes
mouthwash, body soap, shaving cream, deodorant, combs,
brushes, small face washing towels, toilet paper and some
laundry items such as bleach, softener, laundry soap, and
trash bags. Products can be dropped off at our offices
located at 1012 N. Walnut St. Room 106. For questions
please contact Maria at (517) 999-2895 or email her at
maria@nwlansing.org.
Please Welcome ARRO’s 2009 Advisory Board
ARRO would like to introduce the Advisory Board for 2009.
This year’s Board is made up of a unique group of people.
Their backgrounds and work experience range from
substance abuse to law to education. The members include:
Thomas Carmoney (not pictured), Stephanie Fisher, Robert
Fluke, Lisa Haston, Valerie Johnson (Treasurer), Wrae Loring
(Secretary), Jamar McDonald (Vice President), Robert Snow
and Chaunte Sterling (President). Please help us welcome
our new board who is here to diligently help those who are re-
entering into the community. If you have any questions on
need more information, please contact NorthWest Initiative at
(517) 999-2895.
ARRO Wants to Challenge our Business Community
Recently, ARRO attended a working meeting for re-entry
issues at the State Bar Association. It was amazing to listen
to how Grand Rapids and Cascade Engineering have made
great strides to open doors for employment for returning
citizens. The business community in Detroit also brought a
voice to this meeting, by combating the monies being spent in
corrections.
As the State Capitol of Michigan, it is time that Lansing and
Ingham County work toward setting an example in the
employment barrier for returning citizens. They are coming
back to the community - a fact that we can not ignore. It would
be beneficial for our community to open their arms to give ex-
felons a chance at a new life. They have done their time and
learned from their mistakes. Therefore, we at ARRO
challenge our community to make the same strides as Grand
Rapids. You can help by looking at the actual benefits of
hiring an ex-felon and by making more of an effort to hire
them. For more information, please contact Monica at (517)
999-2895.
Why is ARRO Important to the Community?
Between 600,000 and 700,000 people complete prison
sentences each year and return to communities all across
America. Helping ex-prisoners succeed serves the interests
of both offenders and communities. Communities are safer
and victimization is reduced when offenders succeed.
Peggy Burke and Micheal Tonry, in a publication for the
Lansing based Center for Effective Public Policy put it this
way: "Ex-prisoners who fail, generate new victims, reduce
public safety, and create enormous costs to process and
punish their new crimes and technical violations. They also
diminish their own lives damage the lives of their families and
loved ones. Everyone loses. Ex-prisoners who succeed
spare the rest of us those costs but also contribute to their
communities, support themselves and their families, and
improve thier own lives. Everyone wins."
The Ex-offender Outreach Program at NorthWest Initiative,
with the help of the community, wants to make sure that
"everyone wins!"
branch of our Outreach Program that connects ex-offenders
and their friends and families to quality resources to ensure
successful community reintegration. Click here for our
brochure!
ARRO Hosts Healing Circle For Spouses/Partners Of
Incarcerated Individuals
NorthWest Initiative’s ARRO Program will be hosting a
support group for partners and spouses of currently
incarcerated men and women. The group will focus on giving
helpful tips on how to successfully advocate for your
incarcerated loved one and be a support system for you. It will
be a great place to learn about services that can help you and
your loved one upon re-entry. The first healing circle will be
held on May 6, 2010 at 1012 N. Walnut St., Suite 107 from 5:
30-6:30. The group will be held every other Thursday until
November 18, 2010. Linda Archer, ARRO’s Advisory Board
Chairperson, will be coordinating this support group. For
questions or comments Linda can be reached at 999-2895 or
email Maria at maria@nwlansing.org
Ban-The-Box
For the past few years, A.R.R.O has tried to get some
momentum going for a city ordinance called “Ban the Box”.
Many other cities have attempted to adopt it. Kalamazoo has
been the first city in Michigan to do so. The ordinance requires
the removal of the box on job applications that asks if you
have ever been convicted of a felony. This ordinance would
eliminate the practice of applications being automatically
thrown into the trash with out proper consideration, a practice
that discriminates against ex-offenders. This ordinance
would allow a fair consideration of an individual based on
work experience and education rather than just on their
previous convictions. Once selected for a job interview the ex-
offender can let the employer know of their past record and
how he or she has been rehabilitated. At this point, the
employer can choose to run a background check on the
person and negotiate terms of employment if he or she is the
best candidate for the job. We all make mistakes, some
worse than others, but we all need a job to make a living and
not be a burden on society. Without the support of our
community, we can’t get these laws and ordinances changed
without you. To find out how you can help please call Monica
at 517-999-2895.
Join Our Ex-Offender Advisory Board
ARRO is seeking ex-offenders and community members
interested in joining the advisory board. This Advisory Board
will determine the program that will be helpful for people
reentering the community after serving time in a correctional
institution. If you or someone you know has ever been
incarcerated please call Maria or Monica at 999-2895. If you
do not wish to serve on the board, Maria and Monica would
still appreciate hearing your comments, and suggestions.
Please Donate Personal Needs Items!
We have many wonderful agencies providing shelter, a weeks
worth of food, some bus tokens, and other services. However
on many occasions people don’t think about other things that
one needs to keep a healthy and hygienic living environment.
One of the rising needs we have found among our re-entering
population is personal needs items. ARRO is taking
monetary donations or unused personal needs items. Items
being accepted are feminine products, toothbrushes
mouthwash, body soap, shaving cream, deodorant, combs,
brushes, small face washing towels, toilet paper and some
laundry items such as bleach, softener, laundry soap, and
trash bags. Products can be dropped off at our offices
located at 1012 N. Walnut St. Room 106. For questions
please contact Maria at (517) 999-2895 or email her at
maria@nwlansing.org.
Please Welcome ARRO’s 2009 Advisory Board
ARRO would like to introduce the Advisory Board for 2009.
This year’s Board is made up of a unique group of people.
Their backgrounds and work experience range from
substance abuse to law to education. The members include:
Thomas Carmoney (not pictured), Stephanie Fisher, Robert
Fluke, Lisa Haston, Valerie Johnson (Treasurer), Wrae Loring
(Secretary), Jamar McDonald (Vice President), Robert Snow
and Chaunte Sterling (President). Please help us welcome
our new board who is here to diligently help those who are re-
entering into the community. If you have any questions on
need more information, please contact NorthWest Initiative at
(517) 999-2895.
ARRO Wants to Challenge our Business Community
Recently, ARRO attended a working meeting for re-entry
issues at the State Bar Association. It was amazing to listen
to how Grand Rapids and Cascade Engineering have made
great strides to open doors for employment for returning
citizens. The business community in Detroit also brought a
voice to this meeting, by combating the monies being spent in
corrections.
As the State Capitol of Michigan, it is time that Lansing and
Ingham County work toward setting an example in the
employment barrier for returning citizens. They are coming
back to the community - a fact that we can not ignore. It would
be beneficial for our community to open their arms to give ex-
felons a chance at a new life. They have done their time and
learned from their mistakes. Therefore, we at ARRO
challenge our community to make the same strides as Grand
Rapids. You can help by looking at the actual benefits of
hiring an ex-felon and by making more of an effort to hire
them. For more information, please contact Monica at (517)
999-2895.
Why is ARRO Important to the Community?
Between 600,000 and 700,000 people complete prison
sentences each year and return to communities all across
America. Helping ex-prisoners succeed serves the interests
of both offenders and communities. Communities are safer
and victimization is reduced when offenders succeed.
Peggy Burke and Micheal Tonry, in a publication for the
Lansing based Center for Effective Public Policy put it this
way: "Ex-prisoners who fail, generate new victims, reduce
public safety, and create enormous costs to process and
punish their new crimes and technical violations. They also
diminish their own lives damage the lives of their families and
loved ones. Everyone loses. Ex-prisoners who succeed
spare the rest of us those costs but also contribute to their
communities, support themselves and their families, and
improve thier own lives. Everyone wins."
The Ex-offender Outreach Program at NorthWest Initiative,
with the help of the community, wants to make sure that
"everyone wins!"
| Get Involved! |
| Share your Ideas Are you interested in what this community is doing to improve the area and want to help the people living and working in the North Westside area? Spare some time for a good cause, come and share some of your ideas with us! (Contact info below) |
| Donate It feels good to give and it helps your community. Every effort is appreciated and together we can make a difference and have fun while doing it! You can even specify which programs you would like to fund! (Contact info below) |
| Volunteer We are always looking for volunteers to work in our office, school gardens, and to help with projects like flower planters, events, advocacy and more! Giving your time for a good cause is a rewarding experience! (Contact info below) |
| Intern We are always looking for student interns to work in a wide variety of settings, with skills ranging from human services and social work to computer technology. NWI is a great place to gain some experience and to begin your career! (Contact info below) |
| Contact Us! If you would like to learn more about becoming a partner, sponsor, volunteer or intern; contact Peggy at 517-999-2894; peggy@nwlansing.org |
| NorthWest Initiative - North Neighborhood Center 1012 North Walnut, Lansing, MI 48906 Phone: 517-999-2894 Fax: 517-999-2897 |
| The ARRO program hosts an annual Prison Poetry Project. Inmate poetry is read by prominent community leaders and all monies raised go to support our ex-offender program. For more information about the Annual Prison Poetry Project, contact Maria at 999-2895. |
