Justice 4 Housing hosted a graduation ceremony on August 15, 2025, recognizing participants from three critical reintegration programs designed to support formerly incarcerated individuals. The event, held at the Roxbury Community College Media Arts Center, honored graduates from Cohort 1 of the Culinary Arts Program, Cohort 2 of the Stable Housing and Reintegration Program (SHARP), and Cohort 3 of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Program.
The ceremony featured remarks from prominent state and city leaders including former U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins, Representative Samantha Montaño, Senator Lydia Edwards, and Sue Nohl of the Cambridge Housing Authority. These speakers emphasized the importance of second chances and the critical role of housing justice, education, and workforce readiness in breaking cycles of incarceration.
Justice 4 Housing Founder and Executive Director Leslie Credle stated, "We have achieved what many thought was impossible. Today, we celebrate our graduates who have overcome systemic barriers with resilience and commitment. Their resilience and commitment drives our mission forward." The organization remains dedicated to dismantling housing discrimination against justice-impacted individuals through comprehensive programming that focuses on community support, skill-building, and advocacy.
This graduation represents a significant step in addressing the systemic barriers that justice-involved individuals face when seeking housing stability and economic mobility. The programs provide tangible skills and certifications that directly impact participants' ability to secure employment and stable housing, which are crucial components of successful reentry into society. The organization's work demonstrates the effectiveness of a Housing First approach, recognizing that safe and stable housing is fundamental to breaking cycles of incarceration and promoting long-term community reintegration.
The success of these programs has broader implications for criminal justice reform and housing policy at local, state, and federal levels. By demonstrating successful outcomes through programs like SHARP, CDL training, and culinary arts education, Justice 4 Housing provides evidence-based models that could influence policy changes and funding allocations for reentry services nationwide. More information about the organization's mission and programs can be found at https://justice4housing.org.
The graduation ceremony marks not only the completion of these cohorts' programs but the beginning of their continued journeys toward independence, purpose, and opportunity. The event underscores the growing movement toward addressing housing discrimination and creating equitable pathways for justice-impacted individuals to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.
