CCEJ, INC. is a non-profit, which advocates for many, both high school youth and originally, adults trying to re-claim their lives and their destiny from the grasp of addictions, dependencies and often, from incarceration. The organization started by helping those who are socially disenfranchised and marginalized, and has been in existance for two decades -- first, based in Kingston, New York, and then in 2000, relocated to North St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2004, under the DBA STILL STANDING, and located on Central Avenue in Midtown St. Petersburg, CCEJ transitioned from adult services to educational and cultural enrichment of high school youth with support of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Eisenhower Foundation. At the end of this four-year effort, called CCEJ-Quantum Opportunities, the 25 high school participants had completed their high school education, graduated, and followed laudable pursuits which include service in the Military (Navy, Marines and Airforce) College enrollment
(15 currently are attending colleges), skill training and apprenticeships, and employment in jobs with advancement potential. None is in the criminal justice system. All have engaged in civic participation and are responsible young adults.
CCEJ currently is completing a volunteer project in civic engagement (Co-Chairing the Transition Team for St. Petersburg's newly elected Mayor) and continuing planning and analytical support services to a cutting-edge poverty-reduction and community renewal initiative, The 2020 Plan, focused upon inner-city South and Midtown St. Petersburg revitalization.
CCEJ continues the legacy of the its late founding president, Rev. Edward Vernon Leftwich, Jr., (1945- 2013.)
Review from Guidestar
