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OUR WORK
READ THE IMPACT REPORT
Salvation and Social Justice (SandSJ) is proud to share our 2025 impact, highlighting accomplishments in civic engagement, direct community services, violence intervention, public events, faith partnerships, policy advocacy, and the rollout of a new community crisis response pilot.
SALVATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE POLICY PRIORITIES
In light of mounting federal assaults--- gutting essential violence interruption programs, declaring open season on Black communities by ceasing investigations into police departments accused of misconduct and abuse, slashing funding for critical health initiatives, and jeopardizing the livelihoods and wellness of countless families—it is imperative now more than ever to implement robust safeguards to defend and uplift Black communities in our state. Below are SandSJ’s top priorities to fortify the health, wellness, and prosperity of our communities.
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Black Maternal Health Legislation
SandSJ strongly supports comprehensive Black maternal health legislation to address the racial disparities in maternal outcomes in New Jersey. We are advocating for two key legislative items:
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The establishment of targeted workforce development programs for Black midwives
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State investments supporting Black and women-led birthing justice resource initiatives that include but are not limited to birthing centers, doulas, perinatal care, lactation support, advocacy training, and more.
Summer Youth Employment
SYEPs offer young people ages 14–24 paid, part-time summer jobs (typically 5–7 weeks, 20–25 hours per week), combined with job readiness training, adult mentorship, and supportive services such as transportation assistance, food access, and mental health referrals. When designed intentionally, SYEPs operate as a public safety and prevention strategy—not just a jobs program—interrupting pathways into the criminal legal system.
Community Based Violence Interruption (CBVI) Programs
SandSJ champions CBVI (Community-Based Violence Intervention) programs as effective measures to reduce violence within communities.
These initiatives focus on prevention, intervention, and healing through locally tailored approaches that engage community leaders and stakeholders. We are advocating for the continuance and expansion of funding for CBVI programs.
Long Term Cannabis Tax Revenue Fund for Housing and Entrepreneurship Equity
SandSJ is advocating for the use of New Jersey’s cannabis tax revenue, which brings in $33 million a year, to create a long-term investment fund that would be exclusively allocated to affordable homeownership and entrepreneurial development in historically marginalized communities, directly addressing New Jersey’s racial wealth gap.
The fund would grow to a 5% yearly return and distribute money every 10 years over a total period of 30 years adding up to $2.19 billion.
Community-led Land Banks and Community Land Trusts
SandSJ endorses community-led land banks and community land trusts as a tool to combat gentrification, prevent displacement, transition renters into homeowners, and build generational wealth in historically marginalized communities.
Use of Force Legislation and Police Accountability
SandSJ is advocating for the adoption of S2348/A4175, codifying the Attorney General’s Use of Force Directive, significantly strengthening the protections against police use of force for people in this state beyond any administration, and against what has become an increasingly hostile federal administration.