From Record to Redemption: Seattle's Path to Second Chances for Young Adults Under 18

By Lindsay Kim | June 6, 2024

Seattle, known for its innovation and opportunities, has a hidden challenge. Young adults emerging from the criminal justice system find their paths blocked by the shadows of their past. As the job market becomes far too unpredictable, these young individuals struggle for employment and a fair chance at a fresh start.

Community Passageways, a Seatte-based nonprofit founded by Dominique Davis, aims to transform this narrative. The organization focuses on mentorship, education, community engagement, and alternatives to detention, particularly for young adults from marginalized communities in King County and beyond.

Their goal? To break the cycle of incarceration and unlock new opportunities. Community Passageways calls on its community members to volunteer in its mentorship program. Everyone has a role to play.

"Second chances are crucial," Davis said. "We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. Our mission is to support these young adults in every way possible."

Michael Rodriguez is one of many who have benefited from Community Passageways. After facing numerous job rejections due to his criminal record, Rodriguez found himself at a crossroads." I felt like every door was shut," Rodriguez said. "But then I met Dominique and the team, and everything changed."

Through Community Passageways, Rodriguez enrolled in educational programs, received job training, and participated in mentorship programs. Today, he's employed full-time and coaches other young adults facing similar challenges.

Trimarco Green's story is another powerful example of the impact Community Passageways can have. Raised in South Seattle, Green's early life was marked by exposure to violence and survival tactics.

"At six, I touched my first gun," Green said. "By my teens, I was kicking in doors and selling drugs. I didn't know any other way to survive."

Green's turning point came when he faced serious charges at 16. "I ended up getting caught for robberies," he said. "They were telling me juvenile life, and I just knew I was going to be locked up for a long time." However, Community Passageways intervened, offering him a lifeline. "The judge told me that if I enrolled in Community Passageways and stayed out of trouble, I wouldn't have to serve time in jail," Green said.

With the support of Community Passageways, Green began to turn his life around. Initially placed on house arrest, he had to prove his commitment to change. Through persistent dedication and involvement within the community, Green stayed out of further trouble and started participating in programs centered on self-improvement and community service. He discovered his passion for public speaking and community leadership.

"I started doing speeches," Green said. "My first was in South Seattle for about 20,000 people during the march for George Floyd. It felt good seeing many Black people united, policing ourselves and supporting each other. It was the right place to be."

Today, Green is a community leader who has created curricula on gang prevention, financial literacy, and public speaking. His vision for the next ten years includes becoming a congressman and continuing his mission of helping youth have second chances and flourish within their communities.

“I want to give back to the youth and help them avoid the mistakes I made," Green said. "Consistency is key. You have to keep going, even when it's tough."

Community Passageways' work extends beyond education to include mentorship and community building. Professor Jason C. Yip, an expert in technology support for parents and children at UW iSchool, emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying systemic issues to achieve equal access to education and career opportunities in the digital age.

"Technology alone isn't the answer," Yip said. "It's about understanding the underlying infrastructure and relationships. Technology can amplify what's already there—both the good and the bad. We need strong family support and equitable access to really make a difference."

Professor JaeRan Kim, teaching social work and criminal justice at UW, underscores the necessity of genuine care and support to ensure equal access. "Education is a powerful tool," Kim said. "But we must ensure they have the necessary resources and guidance to succeed in higher education and beyond."

Kim highlights the critical value of "shared goals" within the community to support initiatives like "Ban the Box," which seeks to remove the checkbox asking about criminal history on job applications. This initiative ensures that every young individual is first judged based on their qualifications, giving them a fair chance at employment.

"It's crucial to engage with the community and listen to what they need," Kim said. "Building relationships and working together to identify shared goals can significantly enhance the effectiveness of any program."

Community Passageways is also collaborating with local businesses to encourage inclusive hiring practices. It urges employers to look beyond criminal records and consider every

individual's potential to create a more inclusive workforce and contribute to the economic growth of the local community.

"We need to change the narrative and challenge the misconception," Davis said. "Young adults with criminal records are not defined by their past. They have dreams, talents, and the drive to succeed. It's up to us as a community to support them and provide the opportunities they deserve."

Modern-day America is at a junction where many feel disillusioned by the public system and institutions sworn to serve them. Community Passageways showcases practical local efforts in such times, inspiring hope and further calls to action. It illustrates how grassroots initiatives create tangible changes in individuals' lives and contribute to broader societal shifts.