Volume 01, Issue 01, June XX, 2018
CEO’s Corner Juanita Shanks, President and CEO
The newsletter’s name was selected by our Communications Team who are currently developing a brand-new FailSafe-ERA logo and branding campaign that will illustrate how we are firmly and permanently anchored within the community as the vessel of support for returning citizens.
As each of you is aware, FailSafe-ERA exists to reduce the barriers that prevent returning citizens from becoming successful, productive members of society. We are now taking our message to a broader audience, as seen in our recent media coverage on WTOP and WFVA, as well as in important and beneficial meetings with elected and public safety officials and community leaders in the area. These groups are now viewing us as the “anchor of hope” in this community for returning citizens, and I am grateful for the support and commitment that each of you brings to the table.
The entire FailSafe-ERA team is committed to ensure that the resources, tools and people are available every day of the year, to ensure returning citizens are properly equipped to succeed. They, like many others, have made bad decisions in life, big mistakes, and poor choices. While we do not condone many of their actions, we do realize that there are consequences. We are here to help when they are ready for a second chance to get it right.
FailSafe-ERA is also taking on new and exciting projects and challenges that God continues to place before us. One notable effort is pilot program that we will be undertaking in FY-19 with a local international trade association that puts people to work across the country as roadway workers. That organization reached out to us to find ways to give jobs to returning citizens after an intense re-reentry program that features FailSafe-ERA classroom curriculum. Be on the lookout for more information on that project, as well as a new look for our website, a total re-branding of our organization, and highlights of our achievements in future editions of The Anchor.
Finally, if there’s an item that you would like to see included in this publication, or if you have a suggestion or a “guest editorial” that you’d like to submit, please reach out to our Communications Director Jim Baron at Communications@failsafe-era.org for editorial requirements and more information. We are also looking for a bright, energetic intern (preferably a Communications or Marketing major) to assist with our communications efforts. Please pass your suggestions along to Jim on that matter as well.
I am so excited to have each of you along on this wonderful journey. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the FailSafe-ERA staff for any assistance that you may need. Sincerely, Juanita Shanks
FailSafe-ERA Highlights
Local restaurant hosts FailSafe-ERA as their “Non-Profit of the Month” Orleans Bistro, described as, “N'awlins style Cajun/Creole with a southern flare,” will host colleagues and friends of FailSafe-ERA on August 18, from 12 – 2:30 p.m., as their Non-Profit of the Month. The event will be an opportunity for the community to meet members of the FailSafe-ERA staff and board of directors in a casual, relaxed atmosphere, reminiscent of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street itself. In addition to the superb menu of entrees, desserts and spirits, guests will be assisting FailSafe-ERA through proceeds from the restaurant’s karaoke juke box sales during the two-and-a-half-hour block, as well as one-dollar donations to the non-profit for each bottle of wine sold. Dedicated karaoke performers can download their greatest hits from the AMI music application to use during the event. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy a mid-day treat of great food, entertainment and fellowship, while helping fund the many programs that FailSafe-ERA leads in our area to assist returning citizens as they reenter our communities. Orleans Bistro is located at 5442 Southpoint Plaza Way, Fredericksburg. For more information, contact Tisha Johnson,(540) 891-4440 or visit their website: https://www.orleansbistroandgrill.com
Some FailSafe Highlights
Congressman Rob Wittman (R-Va.) visited FailSafe-ERA headquarters in Fredericksburg on June 11 to learn more about the organization, receive a briefing on the Center of Hope vision, and hear of the challenges faced by returning citizens in our community. Joining the Congressman were (from left) FailSafe-ERA Reentry Director Patrick Foreman, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries President and CEO Donnie Tolson, FailSafe-ERA President and CEO Juanita Shanks, Congressman, Wittman, and FailSafe-ERA Communications Director James Baron.
FailSafe-ERA President and CEO Juanita Shanks (foreground) and staff members toured Peumansend Creek Regional Jail on June 5 as a possible future facility to assist returning citizens. Amazing facility. Thanks to our hosts Paul Perry (right), deputy superintendent of security, and his XO for their valuable time as well as a great tour.
FailSafe-ERA President and CEO Juanita Shanks recently completed a four-week pilot program at a local elementary school, in which children were guided, coached and counseled to help them identify and cope with the many issues that surround young children who are affected by incarceration. Read Press Release, Click Here.
Roundtable discussion focuses on faith leadership with elected officials
FailSafe-ERA CEO Juanita Shanks shares a moment with Senator Tim Kaine during the August 14 roundtable discussion at United Faith Christian Ministries. Religious leaders from Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, as well as the surrounding community, discussed pertinent information as it relates to our communities, our commonwealth and how we can walk together in unity as leaders in faith with our elected officials.