The Choice Program

This October is Youth Justice Action Month (YJAM), a time to celebrate the value and potential of every young person!

In the spirit of this year’s theme, United for Action, we believe justice should heal and uplift, not harm and punish. That’s why we’re so excited to share that the Maryland Youth Justice Coalition hosted a vital Listening Session for young leaders from Choice Intensive Advocacy teams in central Maryland.

These young people—who are currently under the care of the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS)—have experiences and insights that are crucial to reimagining justice. They are mighty, and we are dedicated to listening. Their answers to questions like “What are you already giving to your community?” and “What would you like to see more or less of in your neighborhood?” will directly inform MYJC’s advocacy agenda for the coming year.

A huge thanks to Sergio España of and Joseph Lascaze of for welcoming them.
Follow along and tag us as you spread the word! 🙌🏾

Last week, the Choice team spoke with Del Jazz Lewis (District 24) and UMBC President Ashby about the youth legal system.

Bianca Canales, UMBC ’22, spoke about her work as a service coordinator in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

We thanked him for his support for our programs, and his leadership on the Juvenile Restoration Act. The JRA ended life without parole sentences for youth offenders. It also enaled those serving time to seek reconsideration of prior sentences if they were youth charged and convicted as an adult and have been imprisoned for at least 20 years.

Back to school with smiles and plenty of supplies 😁🥳📚✏️ Choice crew + AmeriCorps = the ultimate back-to-school hype squad! 🙌