Transformative Kick-Off Event Launches Third Year of the Ladders Program
By: Jazzmyn Moultrie
Atlanta, GA - The Georgia Public Defense Foundation (GPDF) proudly hosted the kick-off event for the third year of the Ladders Program, reaffirming its commitment to empowering youth navigating the justice system. The event, held on July 10th, 2024, focused on fostering resilience, building community, and equipping participants with the tools to envision and achieve brighter futures.
Participants were welcomed by Kenya Holmes, Social Services Manager, who emphasized the importance of connecting with peers who share similar life experiences. Icebreakers such as "Two Truths and a Lie" and Bingo set a warm and inviting tone, encouraging participants to share their stories and foster a sense of camaraderie.
Inspirational Messages and Life-Changing Stories
The event featured a heartfelt video message from Joshua Miller, a Ladders Program alumnus and current student at Atlanta Technical College. Miller’s journey underscored the program's transformative potential, inspiring attendees to embrace their own paths to success.
Keynote speakers included Vera Moore, Customer Service Manager, and DeAndre Brown, a former inmate who transformed his life and now inspires others through his motivational speaking. Brown shared his powerful journey from being justice-impacted to finding purpose and redemption, delivering a candid and deeply resonant message about the strength of perseverance and the transformative power of self-discovery.
DeAndre Brown, Motivational Speaker, Better Way Ministries
Vision Board Workshop
Led by Kenya Holmes, the vision board workshop empowered participants to visualize their goals and chart a course toward achieving them. This hands-on activity inspired attendees to dream big and embrace a growth mindset.
Ladders Program Participant Creating Vision Board
Ladders Program Participant Creating Vision Board
Ladders Program Participant Presenting Vision Board
Youth Advocacy with Attorney Danielle Simpson and Roundtable Discussion
Attorney Danielle Simpson brought her passion for youth advocacy to the forefront, sharing her evolution from prosecuting drug trafficking cases to championing juvenile defense. Her candid reflections on overcoming challenges—balancing law school as a single mother and persevering through bar exam attempts—underscored the importance of resilience, purpose, and surrounding oneself with positivity.
Danielle Simpson, Youth Advocacy Attorney
The event concluded with a roundtable discussion featuring DeAndre Brown, Danielle Simpson, Catia De Los Santos, and Kenya Holmes. Panelists offered insights, fielded participant questions, and reinforced key themes of persistence, faith, and connecting with resources.
(Left to Right) DeAndre Brown, Danielle Simpson, Catia De Los Santos and Kenya Holmes
The Georgia Public Defender Council
The Georgia Public Defender Council (GPDC) is an independent state agency within the Executive Branch of the State of Georgia responsible for representing approximately 85 percent of all criminally accused persons. GPDC public defenders work tirelessly to provide zealous, effective, and timely legal counsel to all in the care of GPDC. More at https://www.gapubdef.org.
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation
The Georgia Public Defense Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that supports the efforts of Public Defenders across the state. It provides comprehensive social services and development programs to assist defendants exiting the justice system. Learn more about the Georgia Public Defense Foundation at https://www.gapdf.org/.