Home 2025 - Justice Resource Institute

Message from the

President

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As I reflect on my first year as President and CEO, I am filled with immense gratitude for the incredible individuals who make up our workforce. I have been a part of JRI for over thirty years – and this past year reaffirmed why I have always been so proud to be part of this extraordinary community.

Together, we achieved remarkable milestones. We were honored with a series of awards that represent the culture we have built and the values we hold. The Boston Globe recognized JRI as a Top Place to Work for the tenth consecutive year, and we received distinctions for being a Top Place to Work USA, Top Woman-Led Business, a Top Place to Work for Purpose and Values, Compensation and Benefits, Work-Life Flexibility, Employee Well-Being, Professional Development, Innovation, and Employee Appreciation. These awards are not just accolades – they are a testament to the daily efforts of our staff, who bring compassion, creativity, and excellence to everything they do.

As we celebrate these achievements, it is also important to recognize the transformative impact of the trauma-informed care that JRI staff provide to those in our care each and every day. Our hard-working staff create environments where those who have experienced significant trauma feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal. Our teams approach every individual with patience, understanding, and respect, recognizing the strength in each person’s journey. Through this approach, we have seen lives transformed – the people we serve are not only receiving the services they need but are also empowered to reclaim their voices and futures. Witnessing their resiliency, determination, and growth is a powerful reminder of what is possible.

This year, we embraced innovation more than ever. Our clinical, educational, and research teams are helping us reimagine how we measure outcomes, inform practice, and ultimately enhance the quality of care for those we serve. Their work ensures that our services are not only grounded in evidence but also in the evolving needs of those in our care – deepening our ability to respond to these needs with insight, compassion, and lasting impact.

Looking ahead, we know the coming year will bring both challenges and opportunities. The needs of our communities are more urgent than ever. We are ready. We are grounded in our social justice mission and driven by our values that every person deserves opportunity, dignity, and the chance to thrive. Together, we will continue to make meaningful change.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Sincerely,

Mia DeMarco
President and CEO
JRI

Our

Impact

Missing and Exploited Youth

Since opening its doors in 2007, JRI’s Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County has been a trusted resource for children and families affected by the trauma of abuse and violence. With a multi-disciplinary team, the CAC provides forensic interviews, family advocacy and critical mental health support to help survivors heal and find hope. In fiscal year 2024 alone, the dedicated team at the CAC responded to 1,019 referrals – a 230% increase since their inception – demonstrating the need for their vital work in the community.

As part of their commitment to protecting vulnerable children, the CAC recognized the critical need for a coordinated response when a youth goes missing. In 2023, they established the Missing Youth Task Force, bringing together a multi-disciplinary team, which includes representatives from the District Attorney’s office, law enforcement, DCF, the Massachusetts State Police, Juvenile Court, area providers and Pedi-SANE, ensuring a collaborative and effective approach to locating and protecting vulnerable youth. Within 24 hours of when a youth is reported missing, the task force convenes for a communication meeting to share key details and coordinate efforts.

In 2024, the CAC received 54 referrals for missing youth in Bristol County, and through this coordinated effort, 47 of them have been safely recovered. This collaborative approach has become a model for other CACs, demonstrating the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary response in locating and safeguarding missing youth.

For more information on the Missing Youth Task Force, please reach out to Aly Harding, Missing Youth Advocate, or Samantha Willis, CSEC Manager, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children

Key Details

Responded to 1,019 referrals in fiscal year 2024.
This represents a 230% increase in referrals since the center’s inception.
Established the Missing Youth Task Force in 2023.
Received 54 referrals for missing youth in Bristol County in 2024.
47 out of 54 missing youth referrals in 2024 were safely recovered through the coordinated effort.

Success Story

On January 9, 2024, the CAC was notified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that they received a report of a missing female and exploitation was confirmed. The Essex CAC and Bristol County CAC promptly coordinated a meeting with the Missing Youth Task Force. After sharing critical information amongst this team, it was determined that the youth was believed to be in New York. A missing youth advocate was then assigned to the case and after another discussion with the team, information was shared about possible gang involvement and trafficking concerns for the missing youth. The team members worked tirelessly checking addresses, speaking to associates and involving US Marshals and Massachusetts State Police in the conversation. On March 8th, the missing youth was successfully located in New York and safely returned to Massachusetts. The youth is reported to be doing well.

JRI’s Impact on Local Public Schools

In response to the growing concern of emotional and behavioral challenges for students in Massachusetts’ schools, JRI has taken significant strides to create safer and more supportive school environments. Under the guidance of Tara Sagor, Director of Training and Trauma Response at JRI, specialized training programs have been implemented across several local public schools, focusing on trauma informed strategies and mental health support.

Sagor trains staff to understand the underlying needs behind certain behaviors. “Most kids aren’t looking for attention; they’re looking for connection,” Sagor explains. One key training, Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Students, emphasizes the importance of providing students with non-punitive reset areas, giving students the opportunity to self-regulate and refocus without feeling punished or isolated.

In 2024, JRI provided trauma-informed training to over 300 teachers and school staff across Massachusetts. Educators reported a noticeable improvement in classroom behavior and classroom dynamics. Teachers also noted that students appeared better equipped to manage stress and conflict.

JRI’s approach not only reduces incidents of disruptive behavior, but also fosters an environment where students feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed – both academically and emotionally. Sagor states, “Through this work, we are helping schools shift from reactive discipline to proactive support, laying the foundation for long term student success.”

People, Culture,

and Social Impact

Jenese Brownhill, LICSW, Senior Director of People, Culture, and Social Impact

JRI’s Commitment to Fostering a Thriving Workplace

By: Jenese Brownhill, LICSW

This year has been a time of transformation at JRI. We’ve implemented new approaches to workforce engagement, leadership development, and organizational growth, setting the stage for ongoing progress and innovation. We recognize that a successful workplace is not a matter of luck; it is the result of intentional actions that foster engagement, leadership, and opportunity. At JRI, we are committed to creating a high-performing workplace that emphasizes transparency, accountability, and continuous learning. We believe that the best way to achieve this is by listening to our employees.

Over the past year, we’ve driven significant progress in workforce engagement, professional development, and cultivating a workplace culture that supports both our employees and our communities. This report outlines what we’ve achieved, our challenges, and the next steps toward long-term success.

Workforce Insights & Organizational Growth

We’ve seen measurable progress in workforce engagement and professional development. By gathering voluntary workforce data, we’ve gained valuable insights into employee experiences, career mobility, and workplace trends, all of which help us make informed decisions.

Key Workforce Trends (2022-2024)

Increased workforce engagement: More employees are joining professional development programs.
Enhanced leadership pipelines: Greater participation in mentorship and leadership initiatives.
Stronger workplace culture: More employees feel valued and supported.

These insights are based on self-reported data, and we’re committed to improving how we gather and use this information to maximize impact.

Strengthening Workplace Culture & Engagement

To foster a culture of collaboration, we have implemented several key initiatives:

Professional Development and Leadership Growth: We’ve expanded leadership training and mentorship programs, offering clear career advancement opportunities.
Workplace Collaboration and Psychological Safety: We’ve added specific questions in our employee engagement survey to gain insights that will enhance communication, teamwork, and innovation.

Employee Experience & Engagement Insights

76% of employees feel comfortable discussing workplace culture and engagement.
Workplace experience scores have risen from 72% in 2023 to 73% in 2024, with strong marks in respect and support.
69% believe organizational initiatives enhance collaboration and teamwork.

In response to these survey results, we conducted follow-up discussions and pulse surveys to better understand collaboration challenges. This led to targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening teamwork and cross-functional engagement.

Advancing Workforce Readiness & Talent Development

We’re creating an integrated data-sharing framework to ensure long-term workforce success, enhance transparency, and support strategic decision-making. Our future initiatives will focus on:

Enhancing Career Mobility & Leadership Growth: Expanding mentorship programs and professional development opportunities to provide clear advancement pathways.
Refining Data-Driven Decision-Making: Using workforce insights to optimize recruitment, retention, and talent strategies while maintaining a people-first approach.
Aligning Workforce Engagement with Business Priorities: Ensuring that employee development contributes to innovation, high-performing teams, and overall organizational success.

Strategic Integration for Long-Term Impact

To ensure ongoing progress, we’re integrating leadership development and employee engagement into our organizational strategy by:

Embedding leadership development in workforce readiness programs.
Aligning engagement initiatives with our broader organizational goals.
Expanding professional learning communities to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Strengthening data transparency to track our progress effectively.
Showcasing success stories and employee testimonials to highlight the impact of our work.
Recognizing and celebrating employee contributions to our success.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate an ever-changing workplace landscape, our next phase will focus on:

Expanding Career Growth Opportunities: Strengthening leadership pipelines and professional development programs while ensuring equitable opportunities for all employees.
Enhancing Workforce Collaboration: Implementing initiatives that promote team-driven engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and innovation.
Aligning Talent Development with Organizational Excellence: Ensuring our strategies foster workforce success, retention, and long-term impact.
Building a Future of Growth and Opportunity: Crafting a sustainable, high-performing workplace where employees can thrive, contribute, and grow within JRI.

“JRI’s success comes from the dedication and creativity of everyone in our organization. As we continue to invest in our people, we are committed to setting industry standards and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.”

Jenese Brownhill, LICSW
Senior Director of People, Culture, and Social Impact

Investing

In Our Employees

Training and Staff Development are part of the job for all of us at JRI

At JRI, we are committed to investing in our staff. In 2024, we provided $816,073 in tuition reimbursement and scholarships to our employees, demonstrating our commitment to their professional growth and long-term success. By helping to advance their careers, we not only strengthen our team, but also foster an environment where employees can thrive and continue making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

Among the JRI employees who received scholarship:

Kaleigh Gendreau
Classroom Support Staff,
Anchor Academy’s Middleborough Campus

My name is Kaleigh Gendreau, I have been lucky enough to work for JRI since 2019. I began my career here as a classroom support staff at Anchor Academy’s Middleborough Campus. In this role is where I realized I wanted to do something more for the students and communities I served. In 2021, I was accepted into Bridgewater State University’s Master of Social Work Program. The same year I was awarded the Social Justice Scholarship as JRI has many valuable educational partnerships. I felt incredibly lucky to receive this opportunity. During my time in graduate school, I was able to experience so much more of the agency. I served as a Family Advocate at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County in Fall River. Additionally, I was an In-home, and Outpatient therapist for JRI’s Southeast Behavioral Health Center. This scholarship allowed me to remain employed through the entirety of the 3-year program I was in. This helped relieve stress, and the financial burdens of being a full-time student, full-time employee, and part-time intern. I was able to gain skills necessary to become a therapist, network with many of JRI’s employees and make lasting memories that will impact my career forever. I am now a licensed clinician serving middle school students at JRI’s newest day school, the Anchor Academy campus in Berkley. I am beyond excited to see where my future in JRI takes me. Without JRI, I would not be where I am today and for that I am forever grateful.

Lady Laguna
CBH TT&S /TM
Case Manager Young Parent Support Group Program
Merrimack Valley Community Based Justice Services Justice Resource Institute

My name is Lady Laguna. I have been working at Justice Resource Institute (JRI) for seven years in the Chelmsford office. I first started as a Therapeutic Mentor (TM), Therapeutic Training and Support (TT&S), and added the role of Case Manager for the Young Parent Support Group Program (YPS) about two years ago.

I heard about the Latin Leadership Initiative (LLI) scholarships at Boston College (BC) that JRI provided two years ago at a staff meeting in Chelmsford. The scholarship consists of 1/3 scholarship which means that the school pays 1/3 of tuition, JRI pays 1/3 of the tuition, and the last 1/3 of the tuition falls under the scholarship recipient. The application process was very easy and any questions were answered in a prompt manner.

I am currently ending the first year of a three-year part-time program. The support provided by not only JRI but also BC has been very helpful in learning how to navigate the paperwork that needs to be completed. I have also received amazing support from my supervisors. This scholarship means a lot to me personally because I have been wanting to advance my knowledge and the way I can support my clients, yet I have been struggling financially to achieve this goal. This scholarship makes it so much easier to ease the load of financial struggles that come with getting a Master’s.

Kerrin Silcox
Family Advocate, Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County

The JRI scholarship has been the biggest blessing to my academic career. Without JRI’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to afford my dream school – Boston University. Not only has the scholarship made a world of a difference in supporting my finances, but also having encouragement and backing from both the JRI team and my home program has been incredibly impactful. It has been amazing to have such incredible leaders to look up to while beginning this journey. While I am only in my first semester of the MSW program, I can confidently say I feel supported by JRI to achieve my goals and I am excited to one day contribute to the field of social work at a master’s degree level.