THE NEXT 50 YEARS
BY LINDA KETCHAM, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Friends:
JustDane’s 50th anniversary is a big one, so it’s tempting to spend this year reflecting on our past and all we ’ ve accomplished toward our founder’s goal of “planting seeds of social change ” But I recently glanced through our original Articles of Incorporation filed on May 8, 1973. Under Article 2 it says: “The period of existence shall be: Perpetual ” That word “perpetual” conveys the clear intent of our founders, that we are to continue to move forward Throughout the next year we will be celebrating We’ll be acknowledging all our work: past, present, and future Reflecting on 50 years, we recognize that our roots run deep in our community. We have nurtured seeds that grew. As we look to the future, we commit to being that “perpetual” force for justice and equity that our founders envisioned
Carrying our work forward, we have engaged deeply in a strategic planning process with the late Dr. Amy Gannon, with Becca Bryant of Urban Root Creative, and with Fritz Grutzner of Brandgarten, to update our mission to reflect both our history and our future: “JustDane helps transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community ” We have clearly stated our organizational values based on a vision for our future: Inclusion, Compassion, Forgiveness and Courage.
JustDane is on a journey to become an inclusive organization This means we make space at the table for people with lived experience in the areas of justice involvement, recovery, and housing insecurity, for people of color, for immigrants, for the LGBTQIA community The seats at our table are seats with a voice, a vote, and influence. We have developed and implemented policies, procedures and practices that strive to create an inclusive workplace and initiatives This is our ongoing work, both internally, and as a presence in our community We haven’t always done this work perfectly, but we commit to continue the effort. This is part of the perpetual nature of our organization: learning, growing, and doing better.
Continued on page 2
Winter 2023
a reflective journal about social action from JustDane
Linda Ketcham: Continued from page 1
We now are working with Outreach, the LGBTQIA Community Center, to recruit and train volunteers from the LGBTQIA community to serve on Circles of Support specifically designed for LGBTQIA people who are returning home after incarceration. This collaboration is especially important because justice involved members of the LGBTQIA community are targets of violence in more traditional reentry programs, including shelters and transitional living programs.
We’ll continue to demand that the voices of justice involved individuals be included in the development of any community justice center. In 2021 we were one of nine organizations contracted by the County to facilitate community conversations with people that have lived experience in the justice system The conversations focused on what a community justice center should be and who should be part of its planning, development, and implementation Our summary report from those conversations is available upon request The County again has requested our participation on an advisory group to
JustDane Fun Fact:
As Fiscal Agent for Allied Partners Special Projects, JustDane issued $48,732.94 in checks between 2010 & 2022 to support community services like the Wellness Center & community meals, youth programs, summer lunch programs, & scholarships for youth in the Allied Drive neighborhood.
the Criminal Justice Council on the development of such a center, and we’ll be there.
We give thanks for everyone along the way who has helped make 50 years possible: our staff, participants, volunteers, financial contributors We are humbled by your support We are humbled by the trust of hundreds of individuals each year who walk through our doors, who share their stories and their struggles, and who allow us to be part of their journey home
For JustDane, “The period of existence shall be: Perpetual ” We commit to the work of becoming a community where everyone has a chance to succeed. As we gather at events this year in recognition of our 50th anniversary let’s celebrate and dream together. Onward!
With gratitude,
JustDane: Bringing community together since 1973
Kroger Co Foundation
Madison Community Foundation
Madison Rotary Foundation
Messiah Lutheran Church
Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ
Peace of Mind Therapy
St Andrew's Episcopal Church
The Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation
Widen Family Foundation
Wisconsin Council of Churches
JustDane • Changing Lives, Changing the Community JustDialogue • a reflective journal about social action from JustDane
Many employers generously match employees' donations to charitable organizations. Ask your employer if they are willing to match, so your dollars to JustDane can be multiplied. Contact Kathy Eckenrod, JustDane Development Director for more details at kathy@justdane org or 608-513-4364 Thank you to our generous supporters! You help us transform individual lives and social systems to create a just and equitable community. Supporters
Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, Inc Cohen Foundation
B.
V. Fehsenfeld Foundation
Family Fund
American
Frank
and Virginia
Gundlach
Inclusion
/inˈklooZH(ə)n,iNGˈklooZH(ə)n/ noun
Webster's Dictionary Definition:
1.
the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.
2. the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.
JustDane's definition:
Ensuring that all voices are at the table, that our programs are inclusive and reflect the diversity of the individuals with whom we work and our community. We maintain that building and sustaining diversity requires an ongoing commitment to inclusion that must find full expression in our organizational culture, values, norms and behaviors. Throughout our work, we support diversity across all lines of difference, including race, ethnicity, age, economic circumstances, sex, range of ability, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. We aim to lead by example, viewing and encouraging diversity as a fundamental and abiding strength of the non-profit sector in Wisconsin.
How does JustDane put Inclusion into action?
JustDane's staff and participants are included in conversations about programming, community needs, and improvements to services provided to the community.
JustDane's recruitment and hiring practices reflect a commitment to the value of inclusion, including the recruitment of people with lived experience in the justice system as well as former program participants.
JustDane shares our commitment to inclusion as a core value and practice with current and potential donors and encourages donors to consider and embrace these values. Our Board of Directors reflects the rich and growing diversity of Dane County, JustDane's staff, initiatives, and program participants.
justdane.org
Compassion - Forgiveness - Courage
Coming up this year: Fifty Fun Facts about JustDane 50 YEARS AGO WE PLANTED "SEEDS OF SOCIAL CHANGE" - THEY GREW!
Fun Facts about Circles of Support
JustDane has 15 active Circles of Support
Circles of Suport Fun Fact: 90-95% of people who finish a Circle of Support stay in the community!
Fun Facts about Reentry Simulations
We held over 137 Reentry Simulations since our first one in 1999
Almost 9,000 people participated!
The simulation has been all over Dane County, went to 12 Wisconsin cities in other counties, and to Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Vermont & Washington, D.C.
More Reentry Simulations to come in 2023 and beyond! Interested in hosting one? Just let us know
JustBakeryFUNFACT: In2022,wesoldover 84,660cookies
Nextupin2023: Newproducts& newpartners (seekingcafesforpointofsale) Interested?CallJustBakery!
Each Circle has 5 volunteers and 1 recently released "Core Team Member"
Count the numbers! That’s 15 x 6 = 90 people who are living our values right now to make sure that every person returning from incarceration gets what they need to succeed
Continuing in 2023: Weekly "inreach" meetings to plan reentry with prisoners nearing release Want to join a Circle?
Let us know - we'll show you how!
Fun Facts about Just Bakery
Just Bakery supplies around 3,500 cookies to UW Health every month and goes through 150-200lbs of flour a week-that's about 800 pounds a month!
Over 600 students have participated in the JustBakery program since it started in 2013
Students that enroll in Just Bakery do NOT pay tuition and can earn up to 12 college credits and automatic admission to Madison College Culinary Program!
Did you know that Just Bakery supports participants for a year after their time in the program? Even if students do not complete the program, support is still available to them!
justdane org
John Givens, Circles of Support Coordinator
Treatyourselftosomethingnew!
TheFlourlessChocolateCupcake filledwithhousemadeCaramel andtoppedwithWhipped Ganacheisadecadenttreatthat isalsoglutensensitive.Thisitem istheofficial dessertfor JustDane's50thAnniversary Year!
Just Bakery is having an Info Session on February 14th from 12-1:30 pm at 1708 Thierer Road!
For assistance or more information, please contact Jaclyn 608-220-1690 jaclyn@justdane org
Lookingforsomethingsalty insteadofsweet?
Wewantedtomakeasavory sconeunlikeanyother,and missionaccomplished! Withblackolives,sundried tomatoes,andfetacheese,our newMediterraneanSconesare quitetheflavorparty!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
JustDane is celebrating our 50th Anniversary! As we honor our past and look forward to our future, we want to hear from you about what you love about JustDane. If you would rather fill the form out online, scan the QR code below, or enter the link into your web browser
Thank you for sharing your experiences, thoughts, and ideas!
What do you love about JustDane?
What does JustDane mean to you?
What do you envision JustDane accomplishing in the upcoming years?
Tear this section off and send it back to us with your thoughts!
Link to form: https://forms.gle/DSkPoNdJuCtzeMnr9
JustDane's initiatives: Creating a just and equitable community 2115 South Park Street Madison, Wisconsin 53713 (608) 256-0906 justdane.org Non-Profit Organization U S Postage PAID Madison, WI Permit #1991 JustDialogue is a reflective journal of social action printed by JustDane staff The positions expressed here are the opinions of the authors and not necessarily the board of directors or funding sources of JustDane Please mail contributions to our address or visit JustDane’s website at justdane org STAY CONNECTED WITH US! Madison-area Urban Ministry, dba It is JustDane's 50th Anniversary! JustDane Fun Fact: JustDane could not exist without YOUR SUPPORT! Thank You! Help us celebrate 50 years of service and social action! Keep an eye out for special JustDane anniversary events! More information about specific events will be posted on our social media and website.
