LA Rain

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) awarded $175 million over three years in Care First Community Investment (CFCI) grants today to 163 community-based organizations across Los Angeles County.

Today’s luncheon took place at Jesse Owens Community Regional Park and marked the third year of CFCI Care Grants being awarded.

The CFCI Care Grants were established by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to support organizations dedicated to creating meaningful alternatives to incarceration and investing in community well-being. This year’s grant recipients span all five supervisorial districts, providing services that include housing assistance, job training, youth development and restorative justice programs.

“These grants represent a step forward in our mission to build a more just and equitable Los Angeles County,” said JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.). “By funding organizations with deep community ties, we’re not only addressing the systemic issues that lead to justice involvement, but we’re also empowering these organizations to provide life-changing services. The impact will be felt not just by the individuals they serve, but by their families and communities.”

Since its inception in 2022, over $350 million in CFCI Care Grants have been awarded to organizations that support justice-involved individuals and communities.

Amity Foundation is JCOD’s third-party administrator for the CFCI Care Grants and plays a vital role in ensuring the equitable distribution of funds. Year Three CFCI grant recipients include organizations focused on a range of critical services, such as substance use treatment, non-carceral diversion programs, housing support and educational opportunities for underserved populations.

“Amity is proud to support JCOD in the effort to identify and fund community-based organizations that are committed to investing in alternatives to incarceration that address the impact of racial injustice,” said Doug Bond, CEO for Amity Foundation. “Our day-to-day focus is on giving justice-impacted youth and adults the tools they need for a successful re-entry into their community. The CFCI grant plays a critical role in that process by expanding access to services that bring families together, support individuals in their struggles with addiction, provide educational and housing opportunities, and so much more. We are so grateful to Judge Armstead for her leadership in fighting for these resources every year, and look forward to our continued partnership.”

The CFCI grant program was created following the approval of Measure J in 2020, which requires the County to allocate 10% of its locally generated, unrestricted revenues to address inequities and invest in community-based services. This funding is a key part of the County’s broader efforts to promote equity, rehabilitation and care for justice-impacted individuals and communities.

For more information on how to apply or to learn more about JCOD’s programs, visit jcod.lacounty.gov.