The Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) works to reduce the use of incarceration in the United States through research, policy and training. CCA has a long tradition of framing criminal justice issues in the context of larger social justice and human rights concerns. CCA's work links the issues facing people in the criminal and juvenile justice issues with fundamental social and economic conditions that exclude and marginalize poor communities, particularly communities of color. Its work has resulted in practice-driven research and media highlighting egregious criminal justice policies and practices that undermine community health and public safety. The CCA's research-driven programs have resulted in the creation of sentencing advocacy and alternative-to-incarceration programs across New York State.
CCA's partner in its Dream Fund initiative is the Legal Action Center (LAC). LAC is a nonprofit law and policy organization whose mission is to fight discrimination against people with criminal records, histories of addiction or HIV/AIDS, and to advocate for sound policies in these areas. In 2001, LAC launched its National HIRE (Helping Individuals with criminal records Re-enter through Employment) network to be the primary national clearinghouse and technical assistance provider of information related to the employment of people with criminal records.
Dream Fund Project
CCA and LAC argue that although the federal and state laws and policies regarding educational and employment opportunities for people with criminal records appear to be racially neutral, they have a disproportionate effect on people of color. A criminal record has become a surrogate for race-based discrimination as mass arrests and incarceration of people of color create barriers to employment and education for people with criminal histories. In so doing, large and ever-growing numbers of minorities are excluded from "the Dream." The net result is a repackaging of institutional racism with a structural impact on entire communities which raises serious social concerns and points to an abrogation of civil rights. In partnership with the Legal Action Center, CCA is working to identify and remove structural and institutional barriers to education and employment opportunities for men and women with criminal records. LAC provides legal services and litigates on behalf of these individuals while CCA works to reduce use of incarceration through policy advocacy, research and training.
Contact Representative
Syracuse, NY 13202
Fax: (315) 471-4924