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The "Math" of Success: Why Fewer Chutes, More Ladders Matters

As we celebrate our own impact, we are looking at the broader landscape of justice in California. The newly released report, Fewer Chutes, More Ladders (January 2026), published by ForwardChange and authored by Arnold Chandler, provides the rigorous "math" that validates our heart-centered work.

Why This Report is a Game-Changer: This research identifies "chutes"—systemic factors such as school arrests that pull youth into the legal system—and "ladders"—evidence-based programs that help them climb back out.



How It Relates to Make It Right (MIR): The report spotlights Restorative Justice Diversion (RJD) as a powerful "ladder" and a key systems reform. Our MIR program directly reflects these high-impact strategies:

• Disrupting the "Chutes": A single arrest reduces a youth's college enrollment chances by 42%; MIR stops this "chute" by diverting youth before charges are filed.
• Proven Results: The report validates that restorative diversion can reduce rearrest rates by 44% within six months, with effects lasting up to four years.
• The Power of the Circle: Success depends on mentoring and trust-building—exactly what our RJD team and clinical "Empowerment Chats" achieve daily.



By anchoring this research, we show that investing in Make It Right is the most effective, evidence-based solution for California's youth.

We are thrilled—and quite frankly, it is long overdue—to extend a massive congratulations to our very own Ellen Syvoravong on her incredible educational milestone!

After years of tireless dedication, Ellen has officially graduated with her Juris Doctorate from Taft Law. Achieving this while raising her boys and managing our finances as a Staff Accountant is nothing short of heroic, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her "legal mind and heart" in our circle.

The "Why" Behind the Work— Turning Pain into Power For Ellen, this achievement is deeply tied to her personal "why." Having navigated the complexities of the legal system within her own family, she understands that justice isn't just about cases—it's about people. She joined Community Works seeking a "village" and found a calling. As she puts it, "Community Works really made me grow up... This is the first time I can bring work home in a healthy way."

Revolutionizing the Road to Reunification— The One Family Legacy Ellen’s research focuses on one of the most revolutionary programs ever run by Community Works:

One Family

• This program was built on the radical idea that we must break the cycle of broken homes by keeping families together, even during incarceration.

• Family Integrity as a Right: In her recent legal treatise, Ellen argues that the bond between an incarcerated parent and child is a fundamental constitutional right protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

• Challenging the "Privilege" Myth: She is on a mission to flip the script, proving that visitation should not be a "privilege" traded for good behavior, but a constitutional mandate that serves the best interests of the child.

• Breaking the Cycle: Ellen’s research highlights that maintaining these bonds is a "moral imperative" to prevent the permanent, wrongful termination of parental rights that often follows incarceration.

• Healing the Next Generation: By centering the child's right to touch, see, and bond with their parent, Ellen’s work ensures that the punishment of the system does not extend to the innocent children left behind.

Leadership Rooted in Excellence Ellen's evolution from corporate accountant to a legal advocate for family integrity is a testament to the "Radical Hope" we cultivate here at Community Works. She is helping us prove that when you protect the family, you protect the future.

Follow Ellen's Journey To stay updated on Ellen’s legal advocacy and her continued work in family rights and restorative justice, connect with her and join us in celebrating her well-deserved success!