Programs & Resources
Although Out for Justice is not a direct service organization, we acknowledge that it often takes time for policy reform and legislation to manifest into tangible changes for returning citizens. Because of this, we provide our own programs and resources to ensure our members’ successful reintegration into society.
​
Complete this form if you need assistance from the programs listed below.
Rapid Response &
Resource Connection
We are committed to supporting individuals who are directly impacted by systems as they are returning from incarceration and whenever they are encountering challenges relating to their prior legal system involvement.
​
We provide this support through:
-
peer-mentorship
-
donated supplies
-
referrals to local direct service providers, and
-
education surrounding assertion of one’s rights while navigating systems and re-entry.
​
Every year, we co-host with the Jobs Opportunity Task Force an All Night Resource Clinic from 6pm to 6am to provide around-the-clock connections to needed services and supports. The needs and barriers we observe while engaging in this mutual aid work ultimately informs the policies we advocate for each year.
​
​
​​
Voting
Campaign
After playing an integral role in passing legislation in 2015 that restored voting rights to 40,000 formerly incarcerated Marylanders, OFJ continues to work to implement this legislation by providing voter education, voter registration, and bringing returning citizens to the polls during major elections by:
​
-
Registering returning citizens at various probation and parole sites statewide
-
Registering individuals with misdemeanor convictions and those on pre-trial
-
Creating public awareness campaigns like our #ValueMyVote campaign
-
Providing rides to the polls and bringing people to poll parties
-
Creating and manning a hotline for folks behind the walls to discuss any issues with exercising their right to vote
Bail Out & Legal Support
We are committed to ending unnecessary pretrial detention, which disproportionately deprives women of color of their freedom and ability to care for their families. OFJ leads the Black Mama’s Day Bail Out in Baltimore City and Baltimore County in conjunction with other advocates such as Life After Release and The National Bail Out Collective
During this event, we partner with several organizations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as government officials, to secure the release of mothers and facilitate their connection to the resources they need. We also partner with Baltimore Action Legal Team (BALT) and Job Opportunities Task Force for the Father’s Day Bail Out that began in June 2020 on Father’s Day weekend.
​
Out For Justice advocates and facilitates the release from detention of community members; additionally we raise funds to secure the bail and release of individuals in the pre-trial status who simply cannot afford bail. We work with lawyers to advocate and negotiate the release of members so that members can be with their families and assist in preparation for their legal cases.
Legislative Advocacy & Training
We are committed to educating directly-impacted individuals about the legislative process and engaging them in advocacy efforts that advance justice and opportunity for people who are directly impacted by the legal system. We provide training and opportunities that equip and encourage members in the community and behind the walls to transform their experiences into policy reform. Among many other opportunities for legislative engagement, OFJ members attend ongoing training regarding the legislative process, help to shape OFJ’s annual policy agenda and contribute testimony to bills being heard during the state of Maryland’s legislative session.
​
​