Transforming Lives, Rebuilding Communities: myRESET Hosts Inaugural Fundraiser & Networking Soirée with Comedian Jay Martin
Toronto, ON – May 7, 2024 – myRESET is hosting its inaugural Fundraiser & Networking Soirée on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, at Charlotte's Room (212 King Street West, Toronto); doors open at 5:30 pm. myRESET is a grassroots community organization dedicated to integrating individuals with a criminal record into the workforce by creating a trauma-informed, holistically supported pathway to reintegration that focuses on life stabilization, professional development, and employment training.
During Black History Month last year, the Globe and Mail published myRESET Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer Andrew ‘Jaydahmann’ Cox’s (Jay’s) story of redemption and triumph as he overcame systemic barriers in the criminal justice system. Since then, Jaydahmann and the team at myRESET have been working hard to deconstruct systemic barriers for justice-impacted individuals while mobilizing a network of funding and delivery partners to launch a pilot of their innovative and accessible reintegration program in the Greater Toronto Area.
“I’m proud to now be in a position to lead a movement of like-minded partners who believe that if you nurture and develop a person’s mind, they can escape the incarceration cycle – or avoid it altogether,” says Jaydahmann. "Co-founding myRESET is a new chapter in my life's commitment to community building and equal opportunity bridging for the often disenfranchised Black and racialized communities in Toronto. Today, we're taking the necessary steps so that tomorrow we can run and, in the future, every justice-impacted individual seeking redemption, can fly! It's time for myRESET!"
This highly anticipated fundraiser will serve as a platform for myRESET to officially unveil their plans to reimagine Canada’s criminal justice system, ultimately cultivating safer, more prosperous communities and tackling historic labour shortages. The event will be hosted by popular comedian, Jay Martin, and Toronto’s most sought-after DJ duo, Twisted Mindz Soundcrew, will be spinning all of today’s hits and yesterday’s classics. Special guest speakers include Louis March, Founder of Zero Gun Violence Movement; Jamaal Myers, City Councillor for Ward 23, Scarborough North; and Toronto Hip Hop Artist Young Cake. myRESET's inaugural Fundraiser & Networking Soirée promises to be an inspiring evening which holds the potential to transform lives and rebuild communities.
For more information, please visit www.myreset.ca or follow myRESET on Instagram or LinkedIn. To purchase tickets, please click here. To donate, please click here.
QUOTES
“Canada’s criminal justice system has served us well for decades, but it needs an urgent review. Our approach to policing, justice and incarceration have remained unchanged while the various elements of criminal activity have changed significantly. The increasing rate of recidivism and the revolving door of justice are major concerns, but we can and must do better. myRESET’s proposed program and vision to reimagine the criminal justice system is not only timely but absolutely necessary.”
– Louis March, Founder of Zero Gun Violence Movement
“As a Black youth who grew up in Rexdale in a single parent household, I could have easily gotten caught up in the system, like many of my peers. Although I didn’t experience it first-hand, I do have family members and friends who have been incarcerated. I’m grateful for the guidance of my uncle, having music as an outlet, and being able to dedicate my time to pursuing a career as a hip hop artist, which helped me avoid any involvement in the justice system. I’m proud to support myRESET because I know how important this program will be for youth in our community, and how many lives will be positively impacted by it.”
– Young Cake, Toronto Hip Hop Artist
– 30 –
About myRESET
myRESET is reimagining the criminal justice system through an innovative and accessible approach to corrections. The myRESET Journey, was informed by an award-winning research report that was written by the CEO and anchored in the COO’s lived experience navigating the justice system. Grounded in skills-focused education and life stabilization, our program will empower justice-impacted individuals to pursue and thrive in meaningful careers. To ensure successful completion, the program features culturally sensitive wraparound supports, including peer mentorship and mental health services, to support participants as they navigate the complex healing and redemption process. By ensuring graduates successfully reintegrate into the workforce, myRESET will contribute to cultivating safer, more prosperous communities.
Media Contact:
Kate Gardner
Co-Founder & CEO, myRESET
416-992-8862
kate@myreset.ca
ATTENTION: EDITORS
Media is encouraged to attend – a formal program agenda/run of show and list of photo/interview opportunities is listed below. Please RSVP to kate@myreset.ca
Run of Show
5:30 pm: Doors Open
5:45 pm: Media Arrival Time
6:00 pm: Official Welcome – Comedian Jay Martin
6:03 pm: Remarks from Kurtis Vermont, myRESET Board Chair
6:04 pm: Official Program Unveiling – myRESET Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer, Andrew ‘Jaydahmann’ Cox (Jay)
6:08 pm: Remarks from Kate Gardner, myRESET Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
6:10 pm: Remarks from Louis March, Executive Director, Zero Gun Violence Movement
6:13 pm: Remarks from Jamaal Myers, City Councillor, Scarborough-North
6:15 pm: Formal Program Concludes – Comedian, Jay Martin
7:15 pm: Set by Comedian Jay Martin (10-12 mins)
7:30 pm: Set by Toronto Hip Hop Artist, Young Cake (1-2 songs)
9:00 pm: Announcement of Silent Auction, Raffle & 50/50 Winners