PHOENIX (April 15, 2025)—Valley of the Sun United Way announced today that seven nonprofit organizations in Maricopa County received a total of $120,000 in grant funding to advance Fair Chance programs and initiatives for justice-impacted individuals.
Catalyzed by a grant from the JPMorganChase Foundation, Valley of the Sun United Way launched a Fair Chance Collaborative in 2024 with the mission to help address the multi-dimensional needs of individuals in the Phoenix metropolitan area who have been involved with the justice system. The Collaborative’s goals include providing technical assistance to nonprofits that assist justice-involved individuals as well as to employers working to increase Fair Chance hiring and retention.
“As part of our community-driven MC2026 plan for Mighty Change, we’re bringing together employers, service providers, public and government stakeholders, educational institutions and others to increase Fair Chance hiring and supportive services so those involved in the justice system have every opportunity to succeed—for themselves, for their families and for our community,” said Emma Garcia, chief community development and engagement officer at Valley of the Sun United Way.
April is nationally recognized as Second Chance Month, marking an opportunity to bring awareness to Fair Chance employment for individuals who have been justice-impacted through interactions with courts, jails or prisons.
“About one-third of all Americans have a criminal record, yet many companies have policies that explicitly exclude justice-involved individuals from consideration, which creates significant barriers to employment. Without access to second chance opportunities, this pool of job seekers remains on the sidelines while employers struggle to fill gaps in the workforce,” added Garcia.
“We commend Valley of the Sun United Way for their outstanding dedication to uniting the community in addressing the multifaceted needs of justice-involved individuals so they can pursue meaningful employment and build successful careers,” said Noreen Bishop, managing director and head of Arizona for J.P. Morgan Private Bank, who also sits on the local leadership team for JPMorganChase.”
Funding for Fair Chance initiatives was awarded by Valley of the Sun United Way to seven local nonprofits:
• A New Leaf
• Arouet Foundation
• Dress for Success Phoenix
• Foundation for Blind Children
• Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
• St. Mary’s Food Bank
• Televerde Foundation
The competitive grant process was open to all nonprofits and schools operating in Maricopa County. For more information about Valley of the Sun United Way and the Fair Chance Collaborative, visit www.vsuw.org/fairchance.
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As we work with our community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement our five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026, Valley of the Sun United Way will put all of its efforts toward reaching Bold Goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development. Join us at www.vsuw.org.
Media Contact
Ryan Narramore, 602.499.8894, RNarramore@vsuw.org
