Helping People Gain Power
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I took a tour of the Harris County Jail Mental Health Unit. Here’s what I found.
April 23, 2018 by Latasha Taylor
The Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) operates the nation's fourth-largest jail, with an inmate population approaching 9,000. (Jail Mental Health Initiatives)
At Grassroots Leadership, we advocate and organize against private prison, detention centers and behavioral health treatment centers. Diverting those with mental health concerns from the criminal justice system into community treatment programs. Ultimately, those with mental health issues are not diverted but instead forced into a failed criminal and mental health system — especially in Houston, Texas. Read more about I took a tour of the Harris County Jail Mental Health Unit. Here’s what I found.
Donna Red Wing, Rest in Power
April 17, 2018 by Bob Libal
Today, Grassroots Leadership is mourning the loss of Donna Red Wing, who passed away yesterday after a battle with cancer.
Donna was Grassroots Leadership's second Executive Director, serving the organization in that capacity between 2010 and 2012. Before that, she was a long-time board member and supporter of the organization. Donna had a long career as trail-blazing organizer and national figure in the LGBT movement including serving in leadership roles at the Interfaith Alliance, Human Rights Campaign, and Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Read more about Donna Red Wing, Rest in Power
Community Rallies to Say Homelessness Is Not A Crime
WHAT: Press Conference and Gathering Ground “No Sit/No Lie” performance
WHO: People experiencing homelessness and their allies with the DecarcerateATX coalition, with speakers from Gathering Ground, Texas Fair Defense, University United Methodist Church, and Grassroots Leadership
WHEN: Tuesday, April 3 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Austin Convention Center, Atrium Entrance (Trinity St. & E 4th St..) Read more about Community Rallies to Say Homelessness Is Not A Crime
Laura Monterrosa speaks out after her release
For time and location information, please RSVP with Cristina Parker, cparker@grassrootsleadership.org.
AUSTIN — Monday Laura Monterrosa will speak to the public following her release from the T. Don Hutto detention center Friday evening, after being detained for approximately 10 months. Read more about Laura Monterrosa speaks out after her release
BREAKING: Laura Monterrosa released from immigrant detention center in Texas
Community members line up to visit Laura Monterrosa at the T. Don Hutto detention center in Taylor, Texas, on February 14, 2018.
AUSTIN — Laura Monterrosa was released from detention Friday evening. Her release is the result of a months long campaign that drew support from around the country.
“Despite facing retaliation inside, including solitary confinement, Laura showed incredible courage in speaking out to tell her story,” said Claudia Muñoz, immigration programs director at Grassroots Leadership. “This is a huge victory for Laura, for all the women who have organized and spoken out, and for the community that came to their support.” Read more about BREAKING: Laura Monterrosa released from immigrant detention center in Texas
