MEEELJ, Inc. mission is to provide a true opportunity for at risk youth and formerly incarcerated persons, regardless of previous educational and/or criminal background; while helping them to redirect, restore and reconnect as responsible and employable members of society.

Concept

• We have a responsibility to help make our environment and society the best it can be.

• Young people who have committed a crime should be afforded a "fair and genuine" opportunity to re-establish their lives.

• Corporate America holds a responsibility to allow all people to work within their companies in some capacity in spite of previous criminal history.

Introduction to M.E.E.E.L.J., Inc.

by Latreese Cooke, Executive Director

To those of you who have located us through this website, let me say "WELCOME". M.E.E.E.L.J. was founded because of my experiences and desires to truly make this world a better place for all people regardless of race, gender or circumstances.

I believe that the best thing you can do for a person that has made a mistake is trust them and give them an opportunity. We all deserve a second chance. Most people have the tools but they have had life issues that may have become unmanageable. The mere fact that a youth may lack leadership and become a follower can lead them into a mishap that lands them in irreversible consequences.

Employers, we have a responsibility. Drugs have invaded our country and it is a profitable industry. There is no reason a drug possession charge should keep someone from working on an assembly line, in shipping and receiving, mailrooms, grocery stores, auto dealerships, certain positions in local, state and federal government, etcetera. Don't add to the cycle, help break it - give these persons a chance. Everyone deserves to make an honest living.

Legislators, you really want to decrease the "recycling" of FIP's and the initiation of youth going into the criminal justice system? Make the prisons and jails really educate those inmates that are in their custody. Spend the dollars preparing them for successful re-entry back into society. Let the sentences fit the crimes. Increase funding for after school programs, non-profits that assist youth and stop increasing budgets for "alternative disciplinary" schools on the campuses. Teachers need to have the diversity training in order to deal with the variety of races that they encounter on a daily basis. They need to understand that Anglo children and African-American children and Hispanic children respond to things differently, because culturally we are different.

Parents, you must be involved! Know what and who your children are. Know their capabilities, their needs and their fears. Discipline your kids and teach them - no, insist - that they respect their elders, regardless of race, creed or gender. Respect and courtesy are never outdated. And these acts are for all people to give. Hold your children accountable for their behavior. Teach them there is never a time when intentionally hurting someone is acceptable.

Finally to my children, Erin, Quione and Samirrah-never stop giving. It is more important to give than to receive. To thine own self be true. Nothing is impossible to accomplish with God as the head of your life. Life is only what you make it - you get out what you put in. 

Please enjoy the website. Write us and support us. For we are one of the few organizations that are working tirelessly to effect change, locally and nationally.

© 2006 Minorities for Equality in Employment, Education, Liberty and Justice® A 501c (3) Non-Profit Organization.  All rights reserved.