JREP grantees at our most recent convening in Pendleton, Oregon.
A VISION FOR HEALTH. A FOUNDATION FOR ACTION.
Dear community,
We write you with unfortunate news. As the 2025 Oregon legislative session came to an end, we bore witness to the abandonment of critical, community-led programs and policies, with real consequences for communities across Oregon.
Among the most painful losses: The Justice Reinvestment Equity Program (JREP) was not renewed, ending a crucial investment in community-led projects that advance community safety, promote healing, and reduce racial disparities in the criminal legal system.
So, what are our next steps?
First, we mourn what could, and should, have been. The legislature should have renewed JREP’s funding, which provides essential support to culturally-specific and -responsive organizations focused on healing communities and decreasing interactions with the carceral system. Without it, trusted community programs will be forced to shut down. Jobs will be lost. And people who’ve been counting on these services may now find the doors closed when they need help the most.
Second, we celebrate what cannot be taken away. We are proud beyond words of the JREP grantees we’ve had the honor to support and feature on our blog over the last year. Their work is visionary, courageous and rooted in love for their communities. Even without legislative support, their impact will reach far beyond this moment. Check out this video highlighting three of the 18 grantees.
Third, we finish the year strong. We hoped for the best, but planned for the worst and put aside funds to provide modest transition grants to our 18 JREP grantees. We have a convening with these leaders this fall, and we very much look forward to being in community with them and exploring other ways we can support the work. And as we close this chapter, we look forward to sharing with you the powerful results of the State’s investment.
Finally, we re-commit to our mission with renewed passion. We want to make clear that despite the actions of the legislature, nothing about our work will drastically change—just the resources we have to accomplish it.
At Northwest Health Foundation, we work to advance the health of everyone in Oregon and SW Washington. We will continue to uplift the leadership of Black, Indigenous and communities of color across our region and support the growth of their political power. We will continue to call in our elected leaders to ensure the health and well-being of the community members who most need their support.
