CCJFG Welcomes New Steering Committee Member
This spring, the California Criminal Justice Funders Group welcomed a new Steering Committee member:
Tommy Morris, Program Officer, with The California Wellness Foundation. We're so grateful for his wisdom and guidance. Read more about Tommy Morris below!
Q&A with Tommy Morris
Tell us about your background and what brought you to this work.
Born and raised in Los Angeles County, I grew up in close proximity to gang activity, violence and drug & alcohol abuse. Living in poverty and experiencing much grief & loss, my childhood was marred with trauma and an ever-present state of depression. After multiple family members passing in a short span and losing my best friend due to an enlarged heart, I succumbed to the mental and emotional strain and found myself in the juvenile justice system. It wasn’t until I returned home and connected with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) that I was able to address those childhood traumas and receive the necessary supports and life coaching, that I was actually able to change the trajectory of my life. Finding my passion & empowerment in advocacy and systems change work, I became a self-proclaimed scholar in policy that impacted young people who were experiencing similar upbringings and circumstances as mine. I am currently leading the Youth Justice work for the California Wellness Foundation, where we invest in groups that are fighting the over reliance on incarceration and are prioritizing diversion efforts and youth development to increase public safety.
What are the values or principles that keep you grounded in the work?
Understanding that my lived experience is now a tool that helps me build relationships with community, but right now it’s most important to uplift the voices and struggles of the youth of today. Although my 9-5 is grantmaking, I pride myself in being a trusted ally, thought partner and advocate for our Youth Justice community partners. I am a firm believer in accountability, but it must be coupled with compassion and support.
What is giving you strength in this moment?
My children! I sought out resources and made changes because of them. I remain in this work because I want their tomorrow to look and be better than my yesterday.
