The original item was published from July 8, 2022 11:28 AM to July 8, 2022 11:29 AM
Office of Justice Initiatives
No Justice, No Peace
“No Justice, No Peace!” We have heard those words throughout history. Those words are the rallying cry for all of us when the definition of justice itself—righteousness, equitableness or even moral rightness—seems to be an illusion. But the Office of Justice Initiatives (OJI) was developed to actively remind each of us that justice is not a foreign concept, nor is justice only for those in the criminal justice system. Instead, the Community Intervention branch of the OJI was created to redirect hearts, minds and actions. And we do this with five distinct programs: Comprehensive Opioid Addiction Program (treatment for opioid addiction), JAG Grants (federal funds to support justice measures at the local government level), Juvenile Evening Reporting Centers (alternative to youth detention), Shelby County Connects (youth mental health) and the Youth & Family Resource Center (youth diversion program and family resources). OJI staff understands that their work is not just about balancing budgets or attending meetings. Their work is greater than that. It is restoring faith in the pursuit of justice because justice is not lost. Their work is to remind our citizens that peace is closer than they think. It is just beyond the horizon within OJI Community Intervention programming.
Stephanie Williams | 
Nichole Scarborough | 
Melody Freeman |