Here Is An Update On Avenues for Justice’s 2024 Second Chance Award Recipient: Malik Rainey

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 In June, Avenues for Justice (AFJ) proudly spotlighted Malik Rainey as our 2024 Second Chance Award Recipient. We shared his five-year journey as a Program Participant and now, with our Second Chance Gala and Awards Dinner just a month away on October 24th, we are excited to provide an update on Malik’s progress as a Program Graduate.

This month, Malik and his girlfriend welcomed a beautiful baby girl. Malik previously worked night shifts as a security guard on Randall’s Island. He has been working tirelessly to provide for his growing family while also taking care of his mother, and helping his 95-year-old grandmother. Malik is grateful that his mother helps take care of his daughter and cherishes the fact that his grandmother has had the chance to meet her great-granddaughter. When asked how fatherhood is going, Malik admits that it is hard work, but that the sleepless nights are worth every moment. He is excited to pass down the values his grandmother instilled in him, including her love for gardening and her passion for activism.

Malik’s mother, Whitney, continuously expresses her gratitude to AFJ for not only helping Malik with his legal proceedings, but for providing him with the services needed to help him become the best version of himself. She recalls the moments when she needed guidance, and how AFJ’s Manager of Court Advocacy, Brian Stanley, along with the entire AFJ team, stepped up to assist her. Whitney affirms how a second chance was all Malik needed to find his way and notes how, “countless other young people in New York City could thrive if given a similar opportunity.” Whitney marvels at how much Malik has matured since he first walked in the doors of our Harlem community center in 2019. Brian is proud at how over the past five years, he has had “the privilege to watch Malik grow from a shy, at times impulsive, and typically irresponsible teenager into a confident, thoughtful, and responsible young man.”

Avenues for Justice is excited to celebrate Malik’s inspiring journey, and we are proud to witness his growth as a father and as a testament to the power of providing our Participants with the services and resources they need to succeed. As the recipient of this year’s Second Chance Award, Malik shared that he is 'incredibly grateful' for this honor and the opportunities that have shaped his path. We invite you to join us at our October 24th Gala to celebrate Malik’s achievements and our 45-year legacy of providing second chances.

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