Accomplishments for 2016:

• $1.65 million in the Lawrence city budget to build/maintain affordable housing over the next five years.
• Construction of three permanently affordable homes in East Lawrence that demonstrate how local affordable housing trust funds work.
• Postponement of the referendum on the jail expansion project until safe, effective alternatives have been review by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
• Inclusion of an expert on race issues on the Criminal justice Coordinating Council.
• Creation of the “Fab Five,” a group committed to training 100 childcare professionals and educators in trauma informed practices in Lawrence by 2017. Includes: Head Start, Douglas County Health Department, Lawrence Public Schools & Kennedy Elementary, Douglas County Child Development Association and KU Center for Public Partnerships and Research.
• Agreement among key stakeholders for the need to build a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Care Center in Lawrence.
• Commitment by the Lawrence Police Chief to train 100% of all officers by summer 2017 on how to effectively handle encounters with those in mental health crisis (approximately 85% of all officers have been through the 40-hour training).

During this season of good cheer and charity, please consider an investment in Justice Matters to change systems and improve lives in our community. God asks us to help those in need but to also seek justice to end those needs. Your end-of-year or Advent giving will help with the work of doing justice. Donating is easily done on the website www.justicemattersinkansas.org or mail your check to Justice Matters, PO Box 442221, Lawrence, KS 66044.