Commonwealth Corporation’s justice-based initiatives, led through its access-centered justice strategies, focus on helping justice-involved youth and returning citizens rebuild stable, productive lives by connecting them to education, mental health supports, residential programming, and workforce opportunities. Programs like the Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration program and the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative provide skill-building, career pathways, and technical support to break cycles of recidivism and violence, empowering participants to successfully re-enter their communities and thrive in the workforce.


Team Spotlight: Jennifer Javier

Today, we are spotlighting Jennifer Javier, Director of Justice-Based Initiatives at CommCorp. Jennifer brings a passion for providing access and opportunity to individuals impacted by the justice system, especially those facing significant employment barriers, supporting them for who they are, no matter their background. She loves to see the impact of her team's work in the community, and outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her baby and trying new restaurants.

Q: Can you describe your role as Director of Justice-Based Initiatives and what a typical day looks like for you at CommCorp? 

A: I mobilize the teams that run the youth violence intervention program, the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI), and adult re-entry, implementing processes, removing barriers to success, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. My typical day is usually a mix of meetings (with team members, colleagues, partners, vendors, grantees, funders, etc), organizing folks, and putting out very mild fires.

Q: Why are justice-based initiatives such an important part of workforce development, and how do they create real impact for individuals and communities across Massachusetts?

A: My portfolio serves a pipeline of extraordinary talent that’s not only overlooked but burdened by daily stigmas. Returning citizens whose CORIs create steep barriers to employment, young people deeply entangled with gangs or law enforcement, are often denied the opportunity before they’ve had a chance to really prove themselves. Employers are missing an incredible reservoir of skill (and resilient workers) because many choose to judge their past instead of their potential. We support organizations across the Commonwealth that see people for who they are (not just what’s on their record) and recognize the real deficit is in the system.

Q: What led you to this work, and how has your career path shaped your passion for advancing equity and access? 

A: My north star has always been about access and my work has always revolved around that, whether I was working for a donation center, or a tennis program, or a law firm. I followed jobs that utilized my skills and prioritized access and equity. Before I came to CommCorp, I was a fundraiser, and before that, I ran youth and volunteer programs for many years. I have a holistic view of how nonprofits are run, so I thought it would be interesting to support organizations on the funder side and leverage my skills in project management for grant management work.

Q: What has been one of the most meaningful or rewarding moments you’ve experienced working in JBI so far?

A: Every day is rewarding, but one of the most meaningful memories is the first re-entry grant announcement event I attended. Seeing the impact of the work in the community contextualized my day-to-day and reminded me of why this work is so important.

Q: When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your free time?

A: Sleeping, mostly, haha. My seven-month-old consumes all of my free time! But when I do get a chance, I like going to conventions or trying new restaurants. I’m a huge anime fan and foodie!

About the Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program:

The Re-Entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program is a state-funded initiative advancing the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to improving workforce outcomes for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. Administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the program is funded through the General Appropriation Act (Line Item 7003-0150).

The initiative supports partnerships that deliver occupational training, work readiness instruction, case management, and job placement services for returning citizens. Eligible participants include individuals within 180 days of release or up to 18 months post-release. Programs are designed to produce measurable employment outcomes, including job placement and retention for at least 30 days within three months of the grant period end date.

Intervention and Support: Strengthening Re-Entry Pathways

Occupational Training & Career Placement: Partnerships provide industry-aligned training connected to employer demand, preparing participants for in-demand roles and supporting sustained employment.

Comprehensive Case Management: Participants receive individualized coaching, research-validated assessments, and intensive placement and post-placement support to address barriers and strengthen long-term success.

Cross-System Collaboration: The program prioritizes partnerships that bridge corrections and workforce systems, leveraging coordination between community-based organizations, correctional facilities, and MassHire Workforce Boards and Career Centers to support successful re-entry.

Eligible Applicants

Community-based organizations, nonprofit training providers, MassHire Workforce Boards and Career Centers, correctional facilities, and other state-eligible entities may apply as lead applicants on behalf of a partnership.

About Safe & Successful Youthful Initiatives (SSYI):

The Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) is a youth violence intervention program operating in 14 cities across Massachusetts with the highest young adult crime rates. SSYI focuses on individuals ages 17-24 identified as “proven risk” or “impact players” due to their substantial gang involvement or likelihood of being a victim or perpetrator of violent crime. Through outreach, relationship-building, and access to educational, employment, and behavioral health services, SSYI provides opportunities for participants to redirect their lives. By integrating public health and public safety strategies, SSYI aims to reduce youth violence.

Intervention and Support: Building Safer Communities through SSYI

  • Targeted Outreach & Relationship Building: SSYI outreach workers connect with eligible young adults, fostering trust and encouraging participation in services designed to promote positive life changes.

  • Comprehensive Services: Participants gain access to education, employment training, and behavioral health support to help them build a stable and successful future.

  • Collaboration with State and Local Partners: SSYI operates under the oversight of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), with Commonwealth Corporation providing program, fiscal, and administrative management support.