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Manhattan Justice Opportunities is a community based organization that provides social services (mental health, substance use treatment, education, housing, employment) to court-involved individuals.

During my internship, I had the opportunity to shadow my social worker supervisor, observe court cases/conferences, file court reports, create resource portals, and participate in in-person outreaches to local communities. My favorite part of this experience was getting to interact and build short yet genuine connections with the participants as well as with the MJO team. I’ve gained so much respect and admiration for the work this team accomplishes and it confirmed how careers focused on restorative justice is a future I can picture for myself. I’ve learned how the work MJO dedicates themselves to takes patience, compassion, and open- mindedness; it truly was an emotional roller coaster witnessing a participant graduate one day and another get sentenced the next. Yet, it has taught me how rewarding it is to be part of the journey these participants go through and to see them finish the Alternative To Incarceration Program with so much growth and happiness.

Internship funded by the Preston Public Interest Career Fund​.