"When I think about what made the difference between those of us who didn't have encounters with the criminal justice system versus those who did, a few things come to mind. Involved parents and families. Robust community supports. Loving mentors, role-models, and champions who helped point us down the right path and encouraged us along the way.
"One factor, however, rises to the top: Access to a high quality education. The public schools in the neighborhood I grew up in were not that great. Way too many of my peers fell through the cracks. Half dropped out before graduation and those who did graduate had the equivalent of an 8th grade education when compared with kids in higher performing public schools. Fewer than 10 percent of my peers would go on to graduate from college...
"The good news is that all across America, there are signs of a changing tide. We're seeing congregations working alongside communities, wrapping around families, and pursuing restorative justice. As Christians who understand the divine character of grace, we have to become people of second chances...
"There are more than 300,000 churches across the United States and 40,000 high-poverty public schools... How amazing would it be if every church in America was proactively involved in wrapping around the kids in these struggling schools and advocating for polices that will ensure that more of our kids get through high school, receive a quality education, have expanded options in life, and discover their God-given purpose?
"We might just see some mountains start to move."
(Read Nicole's entire post here.)
