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Lehigh Valley Justice Institute (LVJI) is excited to host our Inaugural Fundraising Event on October 13, 2021. This event will celebrate the 1st anniversary of our work to develop a reimagined criminal justice system that is equitable and fair for all communities. The Institute is an outgrowth of the Color of Justice movement, which was working to bring attention to local criminal justice issues. LVJI employs a unique academic-level approach to criminal justice reform focused on Lehigh and Northampton Counties. There was a clear need for an academic level institute to conduct data-driven research on the various processes of the criminal justice system and their effect on our communities; a need spurred by the George Floyd protests of 2020 that brought to the forefront a well overdue social awakening for racial justice. These are critical issues that have consequences for so many.
Sara was seven months into a high-risk pregnancy. A bench warrant was issued because Sara failed to attend an Arraignment. She never received the court notice. Her case was regarded as a minor offense that would almost definitely result in probation since Sara had no criminal record. She sat in a cold jail cell for two days and two nights and was only released when members of the community drew attention to her plight.
Joanne was arrested on a relatively minor drug charge stemming from her chronic addiction. She spent ten months in jail with her name on a waiting list for drug treatment. She received no treatment at all while incarcerated. This lack of treatment is not an anomaly, and later became worse during COVID-19, when no drug treatment was available in the jail.
These cases are but two examples of bad outcomes which create serious consequences for people trapped in the system. Our criminal justice system is in need of reform all the way from our approach to policing to the support systems for successful reentry into the community.
The Lehigh Valley Justice Institute (LVJI) is an independent, nonpartisan research, policy and advocacy organization committed to affecting change locally – in the Lehigh and Northampton County justice systems, through research that supports data-driven policy recommendations and advocacy through public education.
With an initial pledge of multi-year support from the Unfinished Business Foundation, LVJI is building a solid community base for its mission. We need your donation to expand our programming to address desperately needed reforms and enhancements.
Please consider a $1,000 donation as an honored Inaugural Donor. We would be delighted to have you attend our Inaugural Fundraiser. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, from 5 pm – 8 pm at Lafayette College’s indoor/outdoor venue at the Pfenning Alumni Center. Pending any unforeseen COVID restrictions, the event may be held virtually at a later date.
The event will feature a presentation and book signing by award-winning author and Moravian College Professor Robert H. Mayer. Dr. Mayer will discuss his new book In the Name of Emmett Till – how the children of the Mississippi freedom struggle showed us tomorrow.
We hope you will consider being an honored Inaugural Donor.
All Donors enjoy appetizers, soft drinks, beer and wine. Inaugural Donors and Partners will receive a signed copy of the book “In the Name of Emmett Till.” Inaugural Donors will also receive recognition at the event and a commemorative plaque. Contributors of $200 or more are permitted one guest.
$1000 and above – Inaugural Donors of LVJI
$500 – $999 level -Partners of LVJI
$100 – $499 level – Friends of LVJI
How to donate and secure your spot at the fundraiser:
You may submit your donation through our website at www.LVJI.org or mail in your donation via check or money order payable to:
“Lehigh Valley Justice Institute” 100 N. 3rd Street. Suite 504 Easton, PA 18042-1833
Event details:
Location: Pfenning Alumni Center at Lafayette College Address: 352 Hamilton St. Easton, PA 18042 Date/Time: October 13, 2021 from 5 pm – 8 pm
COVID Guidelines: At this time, masks are required in all indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
Questions or comments? Send us an email at info@LVJI.org or call at 484.544.4125 Please visit our website(www.LVJI.org) to learn more about our accomplishments.
Information provided to TVL by:
Lehigh Valley Justice Institute
www.LVJI.org
