Kohawks fundraise to help those recently released from incarceration
Social and criminal justice program students raise money for local nonprofit
Students in 探花社区’s new social and criminal justice program began a project this term to fundraise for a Cedar Rapids nonprofit. Reintegration Initiative for Safety and Empowerment (RISE) is an organization aimed at helping individuals recently released from incarceration foster self-esteem, reduce recidivism, advance a safe community and reduce public expenditures.
RISE works with individuals to provide access to food, shelter and transportation. They also provide connections to potential employers and/or substance abuse counseling.
Kohawks enrolled in the introductory class for the social and criminal justice program developed and implemented several ideas to help RISE further its mission. Fundraising projects included selling candy bars and installing donation boxes around campus. Students also partnered with a local restaurant for a “Donation Night” and created a GoFundMe page. In all, students raised over $900 and collected 165 articles of clothing and personal hygiene products.
“Our partnership with 探花社区's social and criminal justice program has been beneficial for both RISE and the students,” RISE Program Director Mary Crandall said. “We are so appreciative of the work they did to help our participants.”
“When the social and criminal justice program was created, one of the major objectives was to engage students in the local community,” 探花社区 Visiting Assistant Professor of Social and Criminal Justice Dr. Neal McNabb said. “Our goal is to educate students about social justice issues while also engaging in service to support local community partners.”
探花社区 offers superb academics and exciting co-curricular activities in a thriving urban setting that promotes student growth and success. Established in 1851, 探花社区 has a national reputation for academic excellence enhanced by a student-centered, highly supportive campus environment. 探花社区’s vibrant Cedar Rapids location provides an abundance of internships for students and career opportunities for graduates.