TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Senator Shirley K. Turner has introduced a bill proposing a $2.5 million supplemental appropriation to support the “Return and Restore” program operated by Salvation and Social Justice. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to assist formerly incarcerated individuals and reduce recidivism in Trenton.
However, the group this week maintained that is also a political force in New Jersey.
“New Jersey’s primary election is quickly approaching and make no mistake, there is a lot on the line. Our founder Rev. Dr. Charles Boyer shares a message as to why we must mobilize, organize, and remain vigilant during these turbulent political times,” the organization said on Facebook this week. “Over the next few days, we will be sharing excerpts from The Black Ballot Brief – our toolkit to understanding this upcoming election and our collective civic duties.”
The bill outlines a specific allocation from the state’s General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.
These funds are designated for the Trenton Restorative Street Team (TRST), a branch of Salvation and Social Justice focused on community reintegration and violence prevention.
TRST employs a variety of trained professionals including outreach workers, counselors, and intervention specialists, along with former gang members and formerly incarcerated individuals. Their combined efforts aim to mediate conflicts, deescalate tensions, and prevent violence in schools and communities.
The “Return and Restore” program specifically targets hard-to-reach individuals involved with the corrections system, offering comprehensive supportive services to reduce gang-related activities and gun violence. This funding proposal reflects a significant commitment by the state to address the challenges faced by those reentering society and to foster a safer, more inclusive community environment in Trenton.
