Renita Seabrook, an associate professor in UB’s School of Criminal Justice, is quoted in a Baltimore Sun story about grant monies raised to address unrest following the Freddie Gray riots. As a 2014 fellow of the nonprofit, Open Society Institute-Baltimore (OSI), Seabrook actively supports the needs of the Baltimore community. She firmly believes that we “have to invest in people.”

OSI promotes racial equality in the criminal justice system and provides opportunities for marginalized groups. After the April riots, the nonprofit divided $337,500 in grants between thirteen programs, most of which are managed by former OSI fellows. By distributing funds to committed individuals already experienced in serving community needs, OSI is confident that aid will be dispersed quickly and efficiently.

Several OSI programs focus on empowering young people to become community advocates. Others, like the program dubbed “You’re the Quarterback,” help men who are ex-convicts, unemployed, and homeless to support their families by finishing their education and finding jobs. Seabrook founded Helping Others 2 Win, a similar program designed for incarcerated and post-incarcerated women.

“The great thing about a grass-roots organization, you hear the pulse of the people,” Seabrook reflected. “You are right at the heart of understanding the needs of the community.”

Learn more about Renita Seabrook and Helping Others 2 Win.