April Foster

[April Foster @AprilF44]

This is a big deal.

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Thank you @GovParsonMO, @MoCorrections, @cody4mo, @billowen14, & @lincolnhough for backing a budget item enabling incarcerated ppl nearing release to start their job search via video interviews so that vetted Second Chance employers paying a decent wage can hire them upon return!

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Fewer than 10 bills have made it to the Gov's desk. That this one - which empowers a statewide official to proactively investigate local allies of any legislator - could pass unanimously, in this climate, is a testament to the reputation Scott's built as an independent watchdog.

[April Foster @AprilF44]

It can be done when the right people are in place. Well done!

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Today I handed off the chairmanship of the St. Louis County Justice Services Advisory Board, to which County Exec Sam Page appointed me 5 years ago.

As I step off the board, I have a few valedictory thoughts about the transformation of the jail under its last two leaders.

(1/?)

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Smart reform that'll prevent poor program structure from trapping ppl in poverty, which explains why it was one of few major #MoLeg bills to attract enough support to pass. ⬇️

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Packed @MoCorrections event featuring @GovParsonMO & @AnnePrecythe outlining an ambitious set of 2030 goals on re-entry. Thrilled to work w/ the Dept creating video job interviews for ppl lvg prison & pairing them w/ jobs when come home; grateful for our #STL employer partners!

[April Foster @AprilF44]

Grateful to have legislators from both sides of the aisle supporting this important legislation and giving Justice-involved women a voice. Thank you @curtisdtrent, @phlchristo, and @BrianWilliamsMO!

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

For its advocacy day, @CWIT_STL visited #MoLeg to advocate fpr legislation that will help justice-involved people clear their records to better access housing, employment, etc upon release. Here are the ladies thanking Clean Slate champions/sponsors @curtisdtrent & @phlchristo ⬇️

[April Foster @AprilF44]

@JeffSmithMO @CWIT_STL @curtisdtrent @phlchristo Grateful to have legislators willing to listen and consider the human impact of these bills. Thank you to @curtisdtrent, @phlchristo and @BrianWilliamsMO for your warm welcome of @CWIT_STL!

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

I've worked w/ 100s of ppl coming home from prison since 2011.

One constant: they fare much better when they feel society accepts them than when they feel shunned.

A no-cost way to give them a voice & a stake is to let them vote. Thanks for this, @curtisdtrent & @MStinnettSWMO!

[April Foster @AprilF44]

@JeffSmithMO @curtisdtrent @MStinnettSWMO Yes!!

[Keyway: Center for Diversion & Reentry @Keywaystl]

A Thread:

The Clean Slate initiative aims to empower justice-involved individuals by eliminating the hundreds of barriers they face when trying to build their lives back up. Katie Sinquefield explores the benefits of this bill and the impact it would have on our community.

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Grateful to @curtisdtrent, @meaccoleman, & @phlchristo for their tireless efforts to try & help Missourians afford diapers & period products. Their legislation would especially help families living paycheck to paycheck.

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Yesterday was @FitzpatrickMO's final MO Housing Development Commission mtg. In 4 yrs on MHDC, he dug deeper into the details of MO's low-income housing program & rental assistance efforts than any Commissioner I've seen in 16 yrs observing (1st as senator, now as advocate). (1/6)

[Keyway: Center for Diversion & Reentry @Keywaystl]

Today, as part of our Giving Tuesday countdown, we highlight one of our newest board members. Hear from Jessica Hicklin on why she is excited to join our organization! #keyway #GivingTuesday

[April Foster @AprilF44]

Thank you Lutheran Foundation and @WeRaiseFound for supporting this important work. We appreciate you!

[We Raise Foundation @WeRaiseFound]

We ❤️ big check days!
We are thrilled to announce that we recently awarded our largest grant ever – a $500,000 grant to Keyway: Center for Diversion & Reentry in St. Louis, Mo.
https://t.co/j6VyQCu7Ps

[April Foster @AprilF44]

Kudos, @MardyLeathers! This is a huge win for Missouri’s returning citizens!

[MO Higher Education & Workforce Development @MODHEWD]

The Coordinating Board heard from reps earlier this week who are directly involved in serving justice-involved individuals. As part of that work, we're pleased to share this quarter's Partner Spotlight: @MoCorrections
#CBHEmeeting #justiceinvolved #WeServeMO #BuildingMO

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

Like the legislation that ensured incarcerated MO women can access feminine hygiene products?

How about the bill creating a nursery that will allow incarcerated moms who deliver to stay w/ their babies for 18 months before lvg prison together?

Then support the org behind them!

[April Foster @AprilF44]

So proud of @JeffSmithMO and @MissouriApples1 for working so hard to get this across the finish line! Well done!

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

My heart is full. #MOLeg just truly agreed to finally passed @MissouriApples1's legislation creating a prison nursery that will keep (eligible) incarcerated moms & their babies together for the first 18 months of life, when they'll be able to walk out of prison together. (1/3)

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

A shout out to Sen. @hrehder, who's fought valiantly for yrs to pass legislation creating a legal framework for lifesaving needle-exchange programs. After many twists & turns, it hit a wall @ the 1 yd line, but I know she won't stop fighting to help those suffering from addiction

[April Foster @AprilF44]

@JeffSmithMO I am thrilled to see such strong support for this bill! This will be a game changer for so many families.

[Jeff Smith @JeffSmithMO]

And thank you for stepping up and sponsoring the bill, Senator!