Dear Colorado-CURE, - It has been an honor to have served as the Deputy Director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition for the last eight years! Effective Friday, July 15 I completed my service as Deputy Director of CCJRC. I have been reflecting on this quote from Malcolm X and it is what compels me to announce that it is time for me to explore what being in the rightful place means. “A new world order is in the making, and it is up to us to prepare ourselves that we may take our rightful place in it”. Malcolm X This decision did not come lightly. Our family is in the process of new endeavors: enjoying our new grandchild, being “that parent” at the soccer games to my soon-to-be teen son, and shortly my family and I will be leaving the state to embark on a new journey. To my CCJRC family, I am thankful for how we have been pioneers together and being willing to deeply imagine and start to manifest what community centered public safety can look like. And to CCJRC’s founder, Christie Donner, who has been a mentor, coach and big sister. Words can’t express how invaluable your leadership, partnership and friendship has been to my growth and work in the movement. Your vision has not only helped shape the movement in Colorado and the many people in the movement, (including me), but your wisdom has helped transform the work and support the power of community to be first responders to the issues community face. It has been truly an honor to work together. Being of service to our community is deeply personal and professional, we have poured into each other our mutual gifts and we held the work of CCJRC with sacred care. The movement in Colorado for reform is deeply embedded in my DNA. It is who I am as a person and professional. Wherever my journey takes me, I take Colorado with me; I take CCJRC with me; and I take all my collective experience, love and support from the Colorado community, leaders, mentors and passion with me.. I’m a native Coloradoan forever and ensuring I can contribute to elevating the quality of life for humanity and our liberation is my purpose. Thank you to CCJRC and community for being a stand for dismantling systems of oppression and elevating opportunities for justice involved people and families who have been impacted. “Know one cares what you know, until they know that you care. When they know that you care, they want to know what you know”! I will always care about the movement and directly impacted people of Colorado! Keep carrying…. Juston Ma’aT Cooper ~ JC From CCJRC: Juston, working with you over these last eight years has been an honor of a lifetime and we know this isn’t good-bye but just an evolution in our on-going relationship. You have always been a family-first man that we so admire and we fully embrace you and your family as you start this new chapter in the adventure called LIFE. You take with you all our love, support, and gratitude for sharing your heart, vision, and energy with us and the wider Colorado community. You have left a tremendous legacy and we will honor that and you, as we move forward. Juston’s CCJRC email will be active for the next couple of weeks if you want to reach out to him. jus...@ccjrc.org | 
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