TURN IT
Oakland’s Youth Uprising Center —
offers some of the most innovative, interactive, and leadership-oriented opportunities in the country
June 2009
A unique advocacy organization for youth, the Oakland Youth Uprising (YU) Center is a valuable model for urban youth programs and services nationwide. The Center supports programs in linking youth to other learning opportunities inside and outside of YU. See the diverse range of YU programs and services at www.youthuprising.org.
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Bruce Gibson—Part I
The Director of Probation for Clermont County, Ohio and one of the most innovative advocates for prisoner re-entry in the U.S.tells you why, even after 30 years, he is not slowing down.

Kitchen Confidential
by Jeffrey Hillard
VIDEO
Michael Langford on UMADAOP
UMADAOP (Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outreach Program) has come a long way since it's modest origins. UMADAOP director Michael Langford tells us who UMADAOP serves, how it has grown and what it is planning for the future.
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•Cincinnati Works, a local, free employment service, is currently holding information sessions which specify job areas and prospects that could assist individuals looking for employment.
•The Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC) announces that it is offering free legal help to individuals.
•On April 4, 2009, Working in Neighborhoods hosted its 26th annual 5K Run and Fitness Walk and 10K Run for The American Dream fundraiser.
•Calendars
Ohio Justice & Policy Center Free Legal Counsel July Calendar
Oakland California Youth Uprising Center July Calendar of Events
Stand Up - [interviews]
•RED! Exclusive: Stephen Johnsongrove
•Interview with Paulette Lewis
by Jeff Hillard
Turn It - [reviews, multi-media]
•Doug Harris Slide Show
•Vineyard Forum on Re-entry Slide show
•Weeding Out Trouble book review
The Zone - [resources by region]
FEATURED PROGRAMS
UMADAOP—Cincinnati
Urban Minority Alcohol and Drug Abuse Outreach Program
More about UMADAOP and its programs.
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Michael Langford’s determination to reclaim his health is still reflected in the seriousness with which he directs UMADAOP of Cincinnati. I Read his story.
Don't miss the newly posted video of Michael Langford below.
JEFF'S BLOG
Jeffrey Hillard
RED! Publisher and Editor
The Language of Love
June 29th, 2009
RED! is now featuring the second of a two-part personal essay on motherhood by Senior Writer, Brenda Huff. Brenda articulates originally and beautifully in the first essay, “Good News,” the moment when she learned she was pregnant with her fourth child. Both essays are must-reads... . .read more.
From the Inside
Jessie Mabrey
My Time
Melissa Vanover
The Streets
Paulette Lewis
Now Life
Tiffany Peterson
Essays, poetry and art by inmates
June 2009
On the day of March 2, 2008 (my birthday), I gave my 23rd birthday party at Bar 21 in Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. C. happened to throw a drink. A fight broke out soon afterward, and in the midst of the fight, I hit C. in her face with a glass. . . Tianna Blackmon
June 2009
I know at some point that the truth will set me free, and I must press forward with God’s plan for me. It’s truly amazing how, in a place like prison, God can work miracles and wonders. . . Brian Crawford
May 2009
Last summer, in 2008, I went to the CMC (Corrections Medical Center). . . I got some tests done to see if I would be a suitable kidney donor for my sister . . .Johnny Harvey
May 2009
As the days have passed by, and the shock and disbelief have worn off, I’ve grown calmer . . . Nikki Jones (previously known as Dawn Staples Jones)
May 2009
I have been here, in a Texas prison, which actually borders New Mexico, for only about 8-1/2 months. I was very lucky to have gotten the job where I am now working . . . Louis Varela

