Year 2 in Review

At the beginning of the summer, TJS Celebrated its 2nd year in business! Here are some highlights:

• In February 2024, we began work with Equal Justice USA to operationalize and nationally expand the Trauma to Trust program. Trauma to Trust is an experience that gathers community members and law enforcement to hold human conversations that build empathy and understanding around trauma and history, resulting in stronger community-centered public safety.
• TJS, in partnership with Bold Yoga LLC and the D.C. community, through the generosity of Cardware by CatalystXL, created The Healing Outlet as a tool for gun violence healing and prevention. In 2024, the app launched in Apple and Google Play stores. We engaged over 50 residents, youth, and organization leaders in focus groups and video content creation. The Healing Outlet paid over $40,000 directly to BIPOC community members in D.C. We piloted a therapy offering which provides free access to a BIPOC therapist for virtual drop-in sessions.
  
• TJS held its 3- week Storytelling for Change Training for advocates with lived experiences for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as well as American Civil Liberties Union - DC.
  

• TJS continued its contract with Sparking Change: A Storyteller Initiative and completed a comprehensive program analysis of its first year. With over 150 speaking and advocacy engagements, the storytellers have gone on to share their lived expertise with Forbes, The New York Times, Telemundo, Voz de America, Washington Post, NPR Here & Now, and The Cut by Vox.
  
• TJS provided its Building Voices Series to equip organizations collaborating with community and people with lived experiences for Affirm Cares Foundation and National Women’s Law Center.