Terah Lawyer appointed to President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
617-875-6581
Ground-breaking reentry organization CROP appoints Terah Lawyer to president as organization prepares to scale services across California
Oakland-based nonprofit Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP) Organization runs a first-of-its-kind comprehensive reentry program that reimagines the reentry process, promoting quality careers, stable housing, and restorative learning for justice-impacted individuals
OAKLAND, Calif., June 12, 2024 –Today, Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs (CROP) Organization — a nonprofit organization that works to reduce the rate of recidivism through personal leadership training, career development and housing solutions — announced the appointment of its Executive Director Terah Lawyer to the role of President, in a move that positions the organization to scale its first-of-a-kind reentry program to support more Californians as they return home from prison.
"We are thrilled to announce Terah Lawyer as the new president of CROP,” said Akhtar Badshah, Chair, CROP Board of Directors. “Terah's efforts in educating companies about fair chance hiring practices and her advocacy have significantly advanced our mission. Her expanded leadership will undoubtedly propel CROP forward, scaling our impact and creating more opportunities for justice-impacted people to rebuild their lives."
Over the past year, CROP supported 30 Californians through its year-long ‘Ready 4 Life’ reentry program at its West Oakland and Los Angeles locations. CROP, which is designed and led by formerly incarcerated individuals, provides a holistic, residential reentry experience and equips justice-impacted individuals with essential tools for successful careers, including: personal leadership coaching, social-emotional skills, digital literacy, and financial wellness training.
Terah is a Young Professional of Color Fellow with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and she serves on the California Model Advisory Council for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prior to leading CROP, Terah was the Associate Director of Impact Justice’s Homecoming Project and she was a 2019 Next Generations Fellow with the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice.
"I am deeply honored and excited to step into the role of president,” said Terah Lawyer, president and former executive director of CROP. “We know California’s parole system is broken. This opportunity allows me to further our mission of transforming the lives of justice-impacted individuals through comprehensive support and innovative reentry programs. I look forward to leading our dedicated team in expanding these initiatives, forming new partnerships, and advocating for policy changes that remove barriers to employment and ensure justice-impacted individuals have the resources they need to thrive."
CROP Founder in Residence Ted Gray will serve as Interim Executive Director as the Board works to recruit a permanent leader for the role. “I’m honored to lead CROP during this time,” said Gray. “Having co-founded CROP while still incarcerated myself, I have a deep love for what we’re building. With the right environment and support, transformation is not just possible, but inevitable. Our graduates’ successes are a clear indication that we can and will redefine what reentry looks like for justice-impacted individuals across California. I look forward to seeing this impact from a new vantage point as we work to fill the executive director position.”
To request an interview with CROP’s Board Chair, President, or Interim Executive Director, please contact Janel Knight Trulear: janel@emccommunications.com or 617-875-6581.
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About CROP
CROP, Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs, is a new nonprofit designed and led by formerly incarcerated individuals to provide recently released individuals with full service reentry support. CROP’s holistic, human-centered programs are designed to transform lives and heal communities through supportive housing, robust job training, and personal leadership workshops. CROP’s innovative approach is establishing a blueprint for successful, sustained reentry.
Ready 4 Life is CROP’s signature reentry program that equips justice-involved people with the tools they need for successful careers with quality jobs. Designed by formerly incarcerated leaders, this twelve-month career development program includes case management, participant stipends, and holistic wraparound care. Participants in the Bay Area will be placed in supportive housing at our flagship campus. croporganization.org