Mothers for Justice and Equality

The mission of Mothers for Justice and Equality (mje) is to end neighborhood violence by empowering Mothers and youth to challenge the normalization of violence and become effective catalysts for change in their homes, schools, and communities. We engage Mothers, youth, & families by providing targeted support, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to advocate for peace as a community. In 2023 (1/1/23-12/31/23), mje supported over 3,600 individuals and influenced 3,000 more thanks to our outreach efforts. Almost all clients were homeless and/or survivors of homicide, domestic or family violence. Approximately 3,200 received information and referral services, 2,200 received emotional support or safety services, 1,800 received personal advocacy/accompaniment services, 125 received shelter/housing services, and 50 received criminal/civil Justice system assistance. 30% of clients were black/african american, 18% hispanic/latino, 40% multiple races, and the remaining 12% were white, native, asian, and other. 43% of clients were aged 25-59, 7% over age 60, 25% aged 18-24, and 25% under age 17. 60% were female and 40% were male. We held over 30 workshops throughout all departments. Adult education: our programs such as career readiness, technology series, pca fundamentals, financial empowerment, college tours, and more, are geared towards preparing our clients for the workforce and higher education. We also offered incentives for their hard work, such as 250- 500 stipends and chromebooks upon workshop completion. 95% of adult education clients graduated from our courses, and 80% secured employment. Additionally, we started the inspiring entrepreneur training program to engage women of color and underserved communities to start their own businesses. We provided a safe learning and healing space for Mothers who have cori records, are heads of households, have an in-home business, or have expressed interest in starting their own business. The program includes coaching, mentoring, and workshops to help create an action plan. In our first year, we had 23 graduates receive a 500 stipend to invest in their businesses. Youth development: our youth peer leadership program teaches youth aged 14 -18 how to be leaders in their community and form healthy relationships. They do so by partnering with youth programs throughout boston to conduct peer-to-peer workshops, lead stem workshops at elementary and middle boston public schools, and organize community events to promote peace. Youth who participate receive a 15/hour stipend, and we have a program for the school and summer seasons. Two of our most notable highlights in 2023 were the stem in the park program and the youth park rally. Mje peer leaders showed up for the community of young people, many of whom have lost family and friends themselves. Health equity & community engagement: our health equity department held over 15 workshops in 2023, all built with trauma-informed care. In each class, mje clients created art or engaged in empowering community discussions while safely discussing feelings surrounding trauma and learning how to process those feelings. This year, we partnered with brigham women and mass general to provide education and resources to our young parents program (aged 14-24). Graduates from this program completed courses on leadership, healthy relationships, financial literacy, and more throughout the 8-week program. Upon completion, the graduates celebrated with a party and received 100 gift cards for their efforts. Additionally, we started the stronger communities initiative, which nurtures connections, advocates for inclusivity, and ignites collective growth for individuals and families re-entering society from incarceration. Overall, 95% of clients graduated from our health equity programs. We also hosted six public empowerment events with more than 600 attendees: Mothers day luncheon, youth park rally, Mothers against violence national conference, memorial balloon release for survivors against homicide victims awareness month, thanksgiving turkey drive, and the christmas party.