A Dedicated Community
About us
At-risk youth programs
How we help
CAJA stands as a leading force in empowering at-risk youth within our community. As a 501(c)(3) faith-based grassroots organization, we pledge our unwavering commitment to nurturing young people who have grappled with the juvenile justice system. Our mission is clear: to equip these individuals with the essential skills and support, fostering their ability to thrive and unlock their full potential.
We offer a trio of core services: Support, Advocacy, and Aid. Each is meticulously crafted to lay the foundation for a future where these young people are active, positive contributors to society rather than victims of their circumstances. Through our dedicated efforts, we aim to transform the lives of these youths, guiding them toward a brighter, more promising future.
The ugly truth
School-to-Prison Pipeline
The School-to-Prison Pipeline represents a troubling trend across the nation, as children are diverted from public schools into the juvenile and criminal justice systems. This trend originates from policies prioritizing punishment rather than education, including zero-tolerance approaches.
These practices disproportionately affect students of color and those with disabilities. The pipeline signifies a move away from conventional in-school interventions to harsher disciplinary actions, often involving law enforcement, jeopardizing the educational prospects of affected students.
Understanding the School-to-Prison Pipeline
The School-to-Prison Pipeline is a worrying trend. It involves rules and actions that boost the chances of children and youth getting arrested. At the same time, these practices make it harder for them to get a good education. This issue mainly hits students of color and those with disabilities the hardest.
How It Works
The Pipeline works in two main ways: directly and indirectly. Schools directly contribute by misusing strict discipline policies. This approach leads to treating many student behaviors as crimes. As a result, a large number of students end up in juvenile or criminal courts. Many of these cases involve minor offenses, which were previously handled by schools.
The Indirect Path
Indirectly, the Pipeline emerges through policies that cut learning opportunities. Students face expulsion, out-of-school suspensions, and high-stakes testing. This situation makes dropping out and eventual imprisonment more likely. Over the past ten years, these harsh practices have increased, showing a move towards immediate punishment. This shift neglects the need to address students’ educational and support needs.
The Impact
These actions pave the way for academic failure and long-term negative effects. Many students are pushed onto a path that is hard to leave. This path not only affects their education but also their entire future.
Following are the authors of the joint position paper Federal Policy, ESEA Reauthorization, and the School-to-Prison Pipeline.
Our Founder
Laurie Shannon-Bailey
A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy
As CAJA’s founder, my story is one of resilience, marked by overcoming severe childhood challenges. Despite facing domestic violence, suicide, and sexual assault in a home ridden with alcoholism, these struggles have shaped my advocacy passion.
Rooted in Faith and Purpose
I am not just a survivor but also a mother and a firm believer in faith’s healing power. My journey, infused with God’s grace and love, inspires my work at CAJA. Our mission is fueled by a deep belief in the Gospel and a commitment to embodying divine compassion.
Transforming Lives at CAJA
CAJA stands out as a leader in empowering at-risk youth. We focus on dismantling youth criminalization, especially in marginalized communities. Our programs offer comprehensive support, including mental health services, legal assistance, and job opportunities post-graduation. Guided by faith, we provide these young individuals with a second chance and a brighter future.
Join Our Cause
We invite you to join us at CAJA in making a difference. Together, we can offer hope and new beginnings, driven by the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to those in dire need.
Awards and Credentials
- 1983 Graduate from Benedict College, an HBCU in Columbia, SC, with a BS degree in Therapeutic Recreation
- 1986 Graduate from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a MS degree in Therapeutic Recreation
- 2 Veterans Health Administration leadership certificates: 2008 and 2018
- Workplace Bullying Certificate from Workplace Bullying University
- Member, Coatesville & Lancaster NAACP Units
- 2nd Vice President, Coatesville NAACP effective 1/4/2021 for a 2 year term
- Chairwoman, Coatesville Unit ACT-SO
- 2017 Graduate of the first Troop J Chester County Citizens Police Academy
- Member, PA State League of Women Voters
- Prison Fellowship Justice Advocate Trainee
- Former Juvenile Justice Committee Chair, The League of Woman Voters of Chester County
- Member, City of Coatesville Parks and Recreation Commission from 2016 to Dec 2020
- Coatesville Youth Justice, Parent, Educational, Mental Health and Human Rights Advocate
- Coatesville Community Activist
As one of the premier at risk youth programs
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Our board
The people behind CAJA
Mary Ann Miceri
Premier real estate agent
Mary Ann Miceri, with over 30 years in real estate, leverages her negotiation skills and market knowledge to serve CAJA. Holding an MBA and leading the CBP Networking Chapter in Exton, PA, her expertise and community involvement exemplify her commitment to excellence and service.
Calvin Grove
Former IBF champ & mentor
Calvin Grove, a Coatesville, PA, native is a feather weight champion of the world. He is also a winner of the 1982 PA Golden Gloves Championship. In 1982, Calvin won the IBF feather weight title in France. He has fought in the Soviet Union, Mexico and Australia. Calvin has mentored at risk youth for many years.
Dr. Lin Morel
Author, speaker and advisor
With advanced degrees in Psychology and Theology, Dr. Lin Morel champions the rights of the marginalized, particularly veterans and survivors of trauma. Recognized as one of America’s Most Influential Women and a humanitarian, her dedication is one of guiding and empowering others.
Marc J. Leiberman
Magisterial judge
Marc is a 1997 graduate of Widner Law School. In 2021, he was elected Magisterial District Judge 15-1-01 in West Chester, PA. He worked as Chester County Assistant Public Defender from 1998 to 2000. Marc is an experienced attorney with a demonstrated history of working in the law practice industry.
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Real impact
Who We Serve
Victor's Journey: Tragedy, Transformation, and Hope
In Coatesville, the life of 18-year-old Victor O. changed dramatically in February 2022. A heartbreaking accident led to his younger brother’s death due to a mishandled firearm. This event plunged Victor into a world of legal troubles and deep sorrow.
CAJA’s Support and Rehabilitation
CAJA stepped forward to help Victor during this tough time. The court, seeing his potential for change, decided on a sentence that combined home confinement with a five-year probation. This decision opened a door for Victor’s transformation.
A New Chapter
With CAJA’s assistance, Victor returned to school and committed to his studies and activities. He’s now aspiring to attend college, aiming to make his future one that honors his brother. His story is becoming one of determination and hope, showing his dedication to making amends.
Reflecting on Community Responsibility
Victor’s case brought to light critical issues like gun safety and youth accountability. The local authorities stressed the need for responsible gun ownership and the community’s role in preventing such tragedies.
The Impact of CAJA
Victor’s path from tragedy to transformation emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit. CAJA’s involvement illustrates their dedication to helping young people like Victor. They provide the support needed to steer them towards a more promising and responsible future. CAJA remains a symbol of hope and change in Coatesville, helping individuals rebuild their lives.
(Please note: our work ended with Victor 04/23)
John's Journey: Overcoming Obstacles
John, a 14-year-old from western Pennsylvania, is navigating a challenging journey. He’s in a juvenile detention center, feeling the absence of his father and the weight of family expectations. Growing up with financial struggles and educational disruptions has hindered his potential.
A Family’s Struggle and Hope
Despite these trials, John’s family sees a glimmer of hope. His mother, overcoming her battles with substance abuse, has found stability and faith. Yet, details of John’s offense remain unclear, adding complexity to his situation.
Educational and Mental Health Challenges
The system’s limitations became evident when John, needing special educational support through an IEP, found it lacking. His mental health, too, suffered from unaddressed trauma and loss, contributing to his current predicament.
CAJA’s Role in Transformation
CAJA recognizes the deep-seated issues affecting John and others like him. We’re committed to transforming these stories from tales of despair to narratives of hope and success. Our intervention aims to give John and every child a fair chance to alter their life’s direction.
A New Chapter with CAJA
John’s story is far from over; it’s just awaiting its next chapter. We’re here to help others like him toward a future where they can thrive and succeed, no matter their past.
Sarah's Struggle and Strength
Sarah, an academically driven African American 10th-grader, excels in her high school marching band. Her supportive grandmother has been a pillar in her life, encouraging her extracurricular engagement.
Overcoming Bullying
Her high school years have been shadowed by bullying, a common issue in her district. Despite many conversations with families, the school’s response has been inconsistent, leaving students feeling unsupported.
An Unexpected Turn
Sarah’s resilience faced a test when a conflict with a peer escalated. In the turmoil, she accidentally struck the school principal. This incident led to charges, overlooking the altercation’s context.
Disciplinary Fallout
This was Sarah’s first disciplinary issue, yet the school’s reaction was swift: suspension. Parent and teacher accounts echo this punitive tendency in the district.
Court’s Decision and Moving Forward
The juvenile court mandated 30 hours of community service for Sarah, burdening her family financially. Despite this though, Sarah’s story is one of determination and potential.
CAJA’s Advocacy
CAJA sees the promise in Sarah and others like her and advocates for support over punishment. We believe her life’s melody should continue, striving for a system change. Her journey is still unfolding toward a bright future.