On June 28, 1867, the New Jersey Training School for Boys (aka Jamesburg) opened.
And on June 28, 2017, we say: 150 years is enough!
We are lifting our collective voices to transform New Jersey’s youth incarceration system into a community-based system of care by closing Hayes and Jamesburg—the state’s girls’ youth prison and the largest youth prison for boys, respectively.
Here is how you can help close these youth prisons:
1. Join us at our #150yearsisenough campaign meeting on Monday, June 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm at Bethany Baptist Church, located at 275 West Market Street in Newark. At this meeting, we will prepare for our rally on June 28 outside Jamesburg.
Please bring your ideas, creativity, and sign-making materials! For more information, please contact Juvenile Justice Campaign Manager Retha Onitiri at ronitiri@njisj.org.
2. Sign on-to our letter to New Jersey’s elected leaders telling them that 150 years is enough and Jamesburg and Hayes must be closed. Please note: this letter is for organizations only. A copy of the letter can be found here. If your organization wishes to sign on, please email NJISJ Communications Director Elizabeth Weill-Greenberg at ewgreenberg@njisj.org.
3. Mark your calendars for June 28 when we will rally outside Jamesburg and help spread the word! Please email Retha at ronitiri@njisj.org if you plan to attend. Stay tuned for details on transportation to the rally.