Refoundry on Righteous Crowd this Week!

Delivering 850 handmade, reusable masks to uniformed officers outside Rikers Island for use by everyone inside.

Refoundry

Providing formerly incarcerated people with skills & opportunities to achieve financial independence

In this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, we read the famous line “justice, justice you shall pursue.” Inspired by these words, we are excited to support an organization that pursues justice for formerly incarcerated people. Refoundry's mission is to provide them with skills and opportunities to achieve financial independence and become leaders and job creators in their own communities.

Refoundry programs focus on craft, commerce and entrepreneurship. Professional skills training begins with repurposing discarded materials into home furnishings (e.g. chairs, tables, benches.) Participants then sell the goods they make and the revenue covers living wages and benefits. In addition, the curriculum also includes mental health/addiction referrals, classes in internet, finance, business, resumé-building and interview skills, apprenticeships, business coaching and more.

The founders envision a Refoundry-style program in every major city and correction institution, with a goal of transforming the landscape of reentry and workforce development. In two pilot programs, Refoundry Entrepreneurs have launched ten businesses in Los Angeles and New York that collectively employ 125 people.

During this time, Refoundry has pivoted to making masks. Their "Makers Make Masks" program has provided individuals with sewing machines, materials, technical support and training to make reusable, washable masks. All masks are being donated to Rikers Island in NY and to homeless support services in Los Angeles.

Refoundry is always looking for volunteers who can work remotely in a variety of ways to help their participants. Additionally, our many LA-based Righteous Crowd members should check out Refoundry's online store (that delivers in LA). Please also check out NYC-based Congregation Beit Simchat Torah's involvement with Refoundry.

To learn more about Refoundry, click here.