March Meeting Recap
The room was full as Amplify Mission Partners and Guests spent time in conversation around justice, redemption and purpose-driven living. See a quick video recap by clicking here
Board President John Trautz and President Julie Eide welcomed the room and invited partners and guests to participate by filling out feedback forms.
Five Stone Media’s Steve Johnson presented a ministry flashback to thank partners for their help and shared an exciting update on a new project they have been engaged with since presenting at Amplify 18-months ago.
Jeremy and Krista Carolll of Latitude kicked off the evening with an inspirational story of their journey and vocation from print sales and teaching to creative agency owners, centered on the belief that purpose elevates talent. Together they shared not only their business story, but faith story, and a dream to “erase the line between non-profits and for profits, and center on for purpose.”
Juvenile Justice Advocates International shared heartbreaking statistics on children in Mexico waiting in detention centers for up to 292 days before a hearing; often held in solitary confinement for up to 20 hours a day. JJAI founder Douglas Keillor told the story of Oscar, a 14-year old boy from a family of little means, hours away from his family and being held in confinement, waiting for a hearing for a petty theft charge. Keillor mentioned statistically children that are subject to extended holds like Oscar often become victims of sexual and other abuse within the prisons because of their vulnerable state. JJAI has successfully completed a pilot program in Chihuahua and has been asked to bring their expertise on juvenile justice to additional Mexican states and other countries. With this new growth opportunity comes the strategic question on how to scale and what comes next? Read more about Juvenile Justice Advocates here.
Have you rolled out a multi-site organization or do you have experience creating digital operations manual/documentation? Provide additional feedback, connections here.
Tim Owens, founder of The Redemption Project, shared staggering statistics on recidivism and the cost of the revolving door of our justice system. With 68% of inmates being arrested within 3 years of being released, Owens believes our community is not doing enough to address this issue. With the help of a professor at Gustavus Adolphus College, Owens created a curriculum and program to help inmates desiring true transformation around four cardinal virtues. The Redemption Project provides education, advocacy and support for up to 16 inmates accepted to the program. His belief is substantiated by the Manhattan Institute which shows “inmates face formidable hurdles in securing employment following release back into society. Often lacking skills to find a job, they typically receive little help, increasing the odds, that they will come up empty—and revert to a life of crime and return, eventually, to prison.” Owens shared the story of Dave, noting the tremendous transformation he has made while serving his time, and asked what will await Dave when he returns to our community. Owens ask of Amplify partners- additional resources/networks to provide education to employers and make meaningful connections for graduates of this specialized program. Read more about The Redemption Project.
Do you have suggestions on employers or people Tim can connect with? Provide additional feedback here.
Who knew there could be so much variety in grilled cheese? Special thanks to ALL SQUARE for the amazing 5 grilled cheese buffet! Read more about ALL SQUARE here
Amplify Mission Network is made possible through gifts from supporting partners. Become a supporting partner here
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
NEXT EVENT: Thursday, May 2 | Christ Presbyterian Church, 7:00pm
Join us as we hear the inspirational story of John O’Leary, who at the age of 9-years-old, was 100% burned and given a 1% chance to live. Hear his story of survival filled with emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity. He’s a #1 national bestselling author and his Live Inspired Podcast is a top 20 for business on iTunes.
