The Lost & Found Institute

We are thrilled to share our Co-director's blog, "Tending The Fire Within," published by The Imprint News! In this insightful piece, our Co-director Aaron Toleafoa discusses how advocates with lived experience can sustain their advocacy work and keep their passion alive. Don't miss out on this inspiring read – check it out and share your thoughts with us! #Advocacy #LivedExperience #TendingTheFire #TheImprint #Inspiration #TheLostandFound https://lnkd.in/gJrDPry2

🔍✨ Exciting Opportunity Alert! 🔍✨ 💫 Do you have a knack for problem-solving and strategic thinking? 🤔 If so, The Lost & Found Institute wants YOU to join our Board of Directors! 🌟 If you're passionate about fundraising and grant writing for a startup nonprofit led by people with lived experience, this is the perfect opportunity for you to make a tangible impact. 📝 Your expertise in securing resources will fuel our mission and help us reach even more young people. 💡 And if healing, self-discovery, transformative organizing, and liberation work are close to your heart, you'll find a home with us. 🌿 Our commitment to holistic approaches and empowerment ensures that every step we take is grounded in the principles of healing and liberation. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and be a part of something truly meaningful, send us a DM or click the link below to apply. 📩 https://lnkd.in/geD9FUCz

I think of when I was younger and wish I could talk to the person I once was The way I was mistreated and almost defeated The only things that I needed was care and love And maybe a hug… The basic needs of a child that I didn’t get As an adult, I return to the trauma that was never said Instead I was labeled a threat and caged I was told that I should be ashamed That I would never change And that I was to blame I believe it too My surroundings and circumstances are what forced me to do But everyone judges the decisions I made Yet never do they ask about the choices I had to choose So no matter what they say, I made it through To see myself in the mirror and know what I’ve overcome  I know that I’m strong enough to heal from the harm that was once done Dedicated to Kristen Nicole by Aaron Toleafoa

I think of when I was younger and wish I could talk to the person I once was The way I was mistreated and almost defeated The only things that I needed was care and love And maybe a hug… The basic needs of a child that I didn’t get As an adult, I return to the trauma that was never said Instead I was labeled a threat and caged I was told that I should be ashamed That I would never change And that I was to blame I believe it too My surroundings and circumstances are what forced me to do But everyone judges the decisions I made Yet never do they ask about the choices I had to choose So no matter what they say, I made it through To see myself in the mirror and know what I’ve overcome  I know that I’m strong enough to heal from the harm that was once done Dedicated to Kristen Nicole by Aaron Toleafoa

🎉 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 Hey Lost & Found community! 🤗 We just wrapped up our very first Board of Directors Meeting last Friday, and we’re absolutely thrilled! A huge shoutout to our amazing Board!!!! 🙌💖🧡 We want to give a Thank You to our Board of Directors for believing in our Mission and Vision. We could not be more thankful for your dedication, passion, and commitment to The Lost & Found Institute. We are filled with anticipation and excitement for the incredible plans ahead. Stay tuned for updates on how we’re turning our dreams into reality. #LostAndFoundInstitute #boardofdirectors #GameChangers #EmpowerThroughCommunity

Meet our Founders: Aaron started juvenile justice reform back in 2017, focusing on reimagining how young people are treated within facilities like the one he's in now. 🚀 He's been a driving force for change, from advocating for improvements in facility commissary to shaping state laws in Washington and even influencing national policies. Aaron's incredible commitment led him to serve as an executive board member for the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, where he chaired the Emerging Leaders Committee for four years. His work has spurred significant legislative reforms, including Washington State's SB 6160. 🏛️ Most of his efforts have revolved around public speaking and community organizing projects. In May 2021, Aaron took his passion to Congress, testifying before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, shedding light on the juvenile justice system. 💬 He believes that the system, while initially designed for young people, should involve their voices and experiences in its creation to truly serve them. Kristen started her career at the age of 18, working closely with her mentor Dr. Karen Irene Countryman Roswurm as a Prosperity Coach at the Institute for Transformative Emancipation, Center for Combating Human Trafficking. While with CCHT she was instrumental in creating survivor-informed, survivor-led services and developing holistic healing programs for trafficking victims and survivors. 🌟 Kristen joined the Coalition for Juvenile Justice as the Training and Youth Partnership Assistant, where she offered support to the Emerging Leaders Committee—a group of young people directly connected to the juvenile justice system, advocating for reform. 🌱She went on to work as a journalism intern and researcher for author/journalist Nell Bernstein. Together in 2023 Aaron and Kristen co-founded The Lost & Found Institute, where they are dedicated to youth, justice, and healing. The Lost & Found Institute’s mission is through healing and honoring our humanity we are eliminating the oppression of our people. 🌟 #MeetTheFounders #ChangeMakers #TheLostandFoundInstitute