Building for the Future (BFF)
This program is designed to build affordable housing for low income families while providing marketable construction skills to minimum security inmates. The skills learned through the BFF program help inmates find stable jobs upon release and provide increased opportunities for their employment success. The BFF program has trained over 2,500 students while building over 250 homes. This program has been recognized nationally, earning an award for the Innovations in Government from Harvard University.
For more information please contact:
Robert Wilson Jones, (901)545-5810
BFF Board Chair
robert.jones@shelbycountytn.gov
Justice Center Aftercare Program
The Justice Center Aftercare Program provides free weekly sessions for clients of the Public Defender's Office and the general public. Sessions include facilitators from Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous. Resources are also available for credit counseling, home ownership, job referral assistance, voting rights restoration, and problems with driver's licenses.
Meetings are held at the Shelby County Justice Center, 201 Poplar (1st Floor Auditorium) on
Wednesday Evenings 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Friday Evenings 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Evenings 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
For more information please contact:
Sylvester Sartor, (901)545-3909 Maurise McGraw (901)278-1007
sylvester.sartor@shelbycountytn.gov
Adopt a School
The Public Defender's Office has served as an active Adopt a School partner for Peabody Elementary School since 1994. Through the interaction with young children we hope to establish relationships and serve as role models to help the children set and reach goals.
For more information please contact:
Daniel Flatt, (901)545-5840
daniel.flatt@shelbycountytn.gov
"To Keep Your License, Know the Law"
Attorneys in the Public Defender's Office and in private practice go to various Memphis City High Schools to teach Driver's Education students about driving offenses and the importance of obtaining and maintaining a valid driver's license. In 2007, attorneys went to twenty-three different MCS high schools and hope to expand into the Shelby County Schools.
For more information please contact:
Nigel Lewis, (901)545-3960
nigel.lewis@shelbycountytn.gov
Job Listings and Opportunities
Shelby County Public Defender's Office provides weekly "Job Listings and Opportunities" handouts to the general public. These handouts are distributed to clients and other area residents to assist them in finding gainful employment. The handout is generated every Monday and is delivered to Assistant Public Defenders, judges, probation officers, community service organizations, and law enforcement personnel via hand or email.
Job Listings and Opportunities Online (pdf)
