Get to know us
Compassion, justice, and empowerment are embedded at the heart of what we do. The Maureen Joseph Care and Support Foundation (formerly Aiding Lives Initiatives) is a non-governmental organization committed to improving the lives of incarcerated individuals by addressing their basic needs and fostering pathways to rehabilitation and reintegration into society. With over eight years of impactful service, the foundation has been at the forefront of promoting the dignity and rights of prisoners.
Our team comprises passionate volunteers, mental health specialists, educators, community leaders, and counselors who share one common goal: to put in the necessary work that leads to transformed lives of individuals with a history of incarceration and creating stronger, more inclusive communities. We hold each other to account and work tirelessly to ensure that these individuals get second chances and that no one is left behind.
Our mission
We aim to support prisoners through targeted interventions that improve their living conditions, equip them with life skills, and prepare them for a successful return to society. Our key focus areas include:
Providing essentials such as food, clothing, and hygiene materials to improve the quality of life in prisons.
Advocating for humane treatment and better living standards for inmates.
Rehabilitation and Skill Development: Organizing educational and vocational training programs to equip formerly incarcerated individuals with skills for self-reliance after release.
Offering literacy and personal development workshops to promote growth and self-awareness.
Reintegration Support: • Facilitating counseling and mentorship programs to prepare inmates for societal reintegration.
Partnering with organizations to create job placement opportunities for ex-prisoners.
Challenges Addressed: Systemic barriers to rehabilitation - Social stigma against persons rebuilding their lives after prison - Limited educational and professional opportunities - Mental health challenges - Family and community reintegration.
VALUES: Compassion, Justice, Empowerment, Collaboration, Hope
Getting involved...
The foundation can only be a success if its aims and objectives of turning lives around--one person, one family, one community at a time, resonate with the right audience; this is why we need you to get involved.
CALL TO ACTION:
The Maureen Joseph Care and Support Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and policymakers to join its mission of transforming lives within and outside the prison system. Your acts of kindness will create ripples and waves of positive change. When you volunteer, donate, collaborate, and partner with Maureen Joseph Care and Support Foundation, you're not just supporting a cause--you're empowering and giving persons with convictions the tools, opportunities, and encouragement they need to rewrite their stories and contribute meaningfully to society. You are restoring their dignity and hope. Together, we can build a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society, ensuring every individual has the opportunity for redemption and growth.
Our vision
The foundation envisions a society where individuals with a history of incarceration are given a second chance, regardless of their past mistakes, to rebuild their lives, and gain access to mental health support, healthcare services, educational resources and technology, peer support groups, and employment opportunities. By addressing the root cause of crime and systemic challenges with the correctional system, we strive to reduce the chances of criminal recurrence, break the cycle of incarceration, and create communities that embrace redemption and equality.
Our team
Our strength lies in our individuality. Set up by Esther Bryce, the team strives to bring in the best talent in various fields, from architecture to interior design and sales.
Maureen Joseph
Founder / CEO
Miriamzita Onyemelie
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGY AND KNOWLEDGE
Amaka Akata
vOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Maxwell Jackson
SUBSTANCE ABUSE CASE MANAGER