Brandon Residential Treatment Center Fundraiser – “March Madness FUN-Raiser & Raffle”
Babson Executive Conference Center// Natick, MA // March 2025 

Description: Better Days in partnership with the Plain Jane Foundation will be raising funds for the Brandon Residential Treatment Center. Since 1966, Brandon Residential Treatment Center has been at the forefront of providing exceptional services to troubled boys. A non-profit, residential center and school, Brandon provides stabilization, diagnostic, educational, residential, clinical, day treatment and case management services to over 150 boys annually. Boys referred to Brandon typically have emotional and behavioral disorders. Many experience anxiety, depression and anger, contributing to a host of problematic behaviors. As a result, these boys have not been successful in public schools and/or in their communities. Boys enter Brandon with the goal of moving as quickly as possible to a less restrictive school and home setting. Accordingly, the scope of Brandon’s services extend not only to the boy as an individual, but also to his family. Primarily, Brandon provides external structure to help boys control their behavior and treatment to understand their behaviors and internalize their own controls.

Muhlenberg Inside Out Prison Exchange Program 
Muhlenberg College // Muhlenberg Township, PA // April 2025 

Description: The United States incarcerates approximately 1.9 million individuals, but the effect is much larger (BJS, 2024). Children of color, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with mental health concerns are disproportionately system-impacted, while their white and wealthier counterparts are guided towards higher education opportunities (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, 2022; Holland, 2019).  This disparity raises critical questions about the role our community plays in addressing and disrupting the systemic inequalities associated with incarceration. What responsibilities do Muhlenberg College, and other local institutions of higher education, have in challenging and transforming systems and cultures of incarceration in the Lehigh Valley? What role does educational response and repair play in creating a democratic, civically engaged, and healthy community for all of us? This conference hopes to provoke attendees to build relationships and imagine a better future.

Treasured Life Initiative Annual Benefit Auction
Hyport Conference Center // Hyannis, MA // November 2025 

Description: Guest Speaker – Jarrett Harper will be raising funds to support the Treasured Life Initiative (TLI). TLI responds to the challenges of sex trafficking and exploitation by focusing on safety planning, housing, and restoration services, survivor advocacy, independence and empowerment, choosing a safety support group, prevention by increasing awareness through education, and community collaborations and outreach.

Silver Lining Mentoring
Boston, MA 2023 / May 2023 – May 2024

Lived Experience Fellowship aims to empower individuals with firsthand experience in foster care to contribute to national child welfare advocacy and serve as role models to youth currently experiencing the foster care system. Fellows have a demonstrated record of advocacy and potential to make a nationwide impact by highlighting the significance of consistent and caring relationships that help current youth in foster care thrive. On March 24th, 2024 – I was the Keynote Speaker at Silver Lining Mentoring in Boston, MA. My keynote speech was centered around my lived experiences, the lived experienced fellowship, the power of mentorship for foster youth in addition to the foster care to prison pipeline, and the importance of providing foster youth with mentorship means to avoid pitfalls such as mass incarceration, homelessness, drugs, gangs, and self-destruction.

Los Angeles County 42nd Annual Youth Defender & Advocate Training Seminar
Loyola Law School / Los Angeles, CA / April 2024

Description: The seminar serves as a vital platform for the youth defense community to engage in cutting edge workshops, learn from subject matter experts, expand their networks, and rekindle connections with peers.

Testimony in support of the passage of House Bill 445/Senate Bil 601
Better Days in partnership with Human Rights for Kids / Maryland / February 2024

Description: The purpose of this bill is to give judges more options and greater flexibility when sentencing child sex crime and trafficking victims who have committed crimes against their abusers and traffickers. This bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore and will be enacted October 2024. The impact of the bill will ensure that judges have additional discretion to end the unjust practice of sentencing child victims of sex crimes and human trafficking to lengthy prison terms for crimes they commit against their abusers. Instead of locking exploited and abused children away in cages, these children will be treated the way that child victims deserve – with care, compassion, and humanity.

Fireside Conversation w/ Henry Grammer (Fonder & President – New Earth Life)
New Earth Arts & Leadership Center / Culver City, CA /  February 2024

Description: At New Earth Arts & Leadership Center, young people receive career training and paid work experience, a fully accredited high school diploma program, mentorship, case management, nature expeditions, arts programming, and wrap-around services that help them re-enter communities with the support and nurturing they need to create lifelong success.

University of Southern California (Gould School of Law) – Lunch Talk w/ Jarrett Harper “Ending the Foster Care to Prison Pipeline”
Professor Pastore + Public Interest Law Foundation (PILF) / Los Angeles, CA / November 2023

Description: PILF promotes social justice lawyering, equal access to the law and the empowerment of underrepresented communities by providing pro bono clinic opportunities at local organizations, hosting lectures and events on key issues, and supporting students in public interest work over the summer through a grant program. After the SCOTUS ruling that automatic juvenile life without parole sentences are unconstitutional, Jarrett was paroled after serving 20 years. During this talk Jarret shared his lived experience and advocacy for ending the “Foster Care to Prison Pipeline.”

Safeguarding against Exploitation of (SAFE) Children Act
Sacramento, CA / October 2023

Description: Better Days in partnership with Human Rights For Kids was instrumental in passing SB 545, the Safeguarding Against Felonies and Exploitation of (SAFE) Children Act. The legislation, authored by State Sen. Susan Rubio (D-West Covina), prohibits child sex trafficking and abused victims from being tried as adults when they commit acts of violence against their abusers. Additionally, the bill requires that juvenile courts consider a child’s trauma history, background involvement in the foster care system, and other important factors when a child should be transferred to adult criminal court.

Congressional Briefing – “Protecting Kids in the justice System”
Human Rights for Kids and Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) / Rayburn House Office Building, Washington DC / July 2023

Description: This panel featured advocates, experts, and people with lived experience in the justice system as children. Panelist spoke on topics covered in a soon-to-be introduced bipartisan package of legislation including raising the minimum age of prosecution of children, strengthening Miranda Rights for kids, and protecting child victims of sex crimes and trafficking who commit crimes against their abusers.

• (Moderator) Emily Virgin, Human Rights for Kids
• (Panelist) Yasmin Vafa, Rights4Girls
• (Panelist) Melissa Goemann, National Juvenile Justice Network
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days
• (Panelist) Michael Mindoza, Anti-Recidivism Coalition
• (Panelist) Jerome Dixox, Anti-Recidivism Coalition

Congressional Briefing Panel-Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC / May 2023

The Foster Youth Mentoring Act addresses the greater need for critical programs that support our country’s most vulnerable young people. It would provide foster youth with healthy volunteer and peer mentor relationships. The impact of the bill will create:

• Authorize $50 million in needed funding for local mentoring programs – including nonprofits, religious organizations, and child welfare and educational agencies – serving foster and former foster youth.
• Provide evidence-backed training to volunteers who serve as mentors to foster youth ensuring a strong understanding of child development, family dynamics, the child welfare system, education, and other relevant considerations that affect foster youth.
• Support peer-to-peer mentoring relationships for young people with experience in foster care.
• Ensure that programs receiving a grant follow best practices for screening volunteers and matching mentors with mentees.
• Ensure that the voices of foster youth are included in program development, design, and implementation.
• Improve coordination between mentoring programs and child welfare systems.
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper
• (Panelist) Christina Hines, Chief Strategy Officer (Silver Lining Mentoring)
• (Panelist) Sabrina Anderson, Senior Assistant to VP of Public Policy & Strategy (National Foster Youth Inst.)

Beit T’Shuvah Gala
Beverly Hills, CA / February 2023

Description: A Jewish alcohol / drug / addiction / re-entry facility. This is the largest fundraiser of the year to honor the Saul and Joyce Brandman Foundation and to invest in the vital work of Beit T’Shuvah.

• (Spotlight Speaker) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

National Mentoring Summit
Washington DC / January 2023

Bridging Divides Through Mentoring – Discussing the role mentoring plays in uniting individuals and communities.

• (Spotlight Speaker) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

Boston Celtics-Shamrock Foundation
Boston, MA / October 2022

Extends the reach of the Boston Celtics championship legacy into their community through programs that directly benefit children in need. Raised $3 million. (Moderator) Kristen Ingram (Panelists) Grant Williams / NBA Player, Malcolm Brogdon / NBA Player, Jarrett Harper / CEO and Founder of Better Days, (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, The Jarrett Harper Story

Boston Celtics-Play for Justice
Boston, MA / September 2022

Partnership with the NBA to create proximity between players and people involved in the criminal justice system. Roundtable: Boston Celtics Team and Coaching staff, as well as 15 returning citizens on the topics of Criminal Justice Reform, Bridging the gap between sports, entertainment, and social justice and Jarrett Harper, The Jarrett Harper Story

Prop 17-Free The Vote, Allows Return Citizens to Vote
Los Angeles, CA / November 2021

Represent Justice advocated for Prop 17 as key speaker

Julius Jones Campaign
Los Angeles, CA / October 2021

Description: A black man who sits on Oklahoma death row was granted a Stay of Execution in his final hour.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Represent Justice

Quarantunes Independent Fundraising Organization
Los Angeles, CA / August 2021

Raised $800,000 for The Alliance for Children’s Rights

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Friends at Work, Social Justice Impactor

Congressional Briefing Panel-Rayburn House Office Building
Washington DC / June 2021

Description: Advocate Package of Bi-Partisan bills before the House of Representatives for “Treat Kids Like Kids”.

• (Moderator) Michael Mendoza, Anti Recidivism Coalition
• (Moderator) Elizabeth Calvin, Human Rights Watch
• (Panelist) Melissa Mercado
• (Panelist) Jerome Dixon
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days
• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

The Collective Justice for All Initiative
Los Angeles, CA // May 4, 2021

Description: Serves as a key component to close the representation gap of Black leaders serving in the following positions that make and administer the law: Attorney Generals, District and State Attorneys, Judges, and Sheriffs.

• (Moderator) Stephanie Brown James, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor
• (Panelist) Senator Cory Booker
• (Panelist) Congressman Hakeem Jefferies
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

The Alliance for Children’s Rights
Beverly Hills, CA / March 2021

Description: Organization that supports foster youth and families, as well as the reunification of families. The Jarrett Harper Story was read Raised $1.3 million

Omaze
Beverly Hills, CA / February 2021

Description: A fundraising platform that democratized traditional auction giving by offering everyone a chance to have a once in a lifetime experience. Through the Omaze platform, people in more than 183 countries have made donations that support over 350 charities – driving substantial awareness for their work and significantly more money than traditional methods.

Raised $500,000 for Represent Justice as an Ambassador

Washington Post – Race in America / Prison Reform
Los Angeles, CA / July 2020

Topics of Discussion: “Impact of Covid19 in the prison system,” and “The relationship between law enforcement and Race in America.”

• (Moderator) Michele Norris
• (Panelist) Common and Activist Rapper/Entertainer
• (Panelist) Scott Budwick – Producer of the film “Just Mercy”
• (Panelist & Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Chief Executive Director of Better Days and Represent Justice Ambassador

Quaratunes Independent Fundraising Organization
Los Angeles, CA / July 2020

Purpose: Fundraising to support Organizations struggling during Covid19. Raised $750,000 for Free America – John Legend’s Non-Profit Organization

Topics of Discussion: “The need for progressive prosecutors to create a more just legal system,” and “The importance of electing black officials to leadership roles (i.e., District Attorneys, Politicians, Judges) in order to advocate for people of color.”

• (Moderator) Richard Weitz, Co-Chair Endeavor WME and Demi Weitz (Daughter)

• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, Friends at Work, Social Justice Impactor

ASTHO-Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
Los Angeles, CA / July 2020

Description: Supporting state and territorial health agencies to advance health, equity, and optimal health for all. ‘Just Mercy’ screening.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper – Represent Justice, Ambassador
• (Panelist) Shane Goldsmith, Liberty Hill Foundation
• (Panelist) Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter, Board Chair of Dignity and Power Now
• (Panelist) Euniesses Hernandez, Just Leadership USA
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

Race in America – Prison Reform California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation / California and five other States / July 16th, 2020

A video showing over 130,000 inmates responding to COVID-19 in the California prison system. With participation from Producer Scott Budnick (Activist) and Common (Rapper).

LRNG Project Constellation
Los Angeles, CA / June-July 2020

Description: From NBA players to musicians, actors to artists, and everything in between – Project Constellation delivers educational videos that show you how to follow your dreams and create the future you want. At the same time, discovering new career paths, you didn’t know existed.

National Urban League 17t h Legislative Policy Conference
Los Angeles, CA / June 2020

Topics of Discussion: “Foster Care to Prison pipeline,” “Lack of social distancing available in prisons during Covid19 and how to safely release people back to society,” and “Negative impact of the carceral institution and how policy reform can greatly enhance public safety.”

• (Moderator) Marc Morial, President, and Chief Executive Officer
• (Panelist) Craig Silliman, EVP public policy and general counsel
• (Panelist & Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Chief Executive Director of Better Days and Represent Justice Ambassador

Instagram Live with Brie Larson
Los Angeles, CA / May 2020

Description: Conversation with supporting actress Brie Larson, Just Mercy- sponsored by Represent Justice. Received one million views.

Topics: “COVID-19 effect on the people and staff in prison and the Invaluable relief fund”.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Represent Justice, Ambassador

USA Nexus Summit
Washington DC / February 2020

Description: Rachel Gerrol, Co-Founder of Nexus assembled a group of leaders in the criminal justice space to speak at their 2020 Summit. This convention was held at the US Institute of Peace, with over 500+ next-generation Nexus members in attendance. Over the past decade, Nexus has grown to be the largest network of significant young philanthropists and impact inventors in the world.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, Friends at Work, Criminal Justice Reform Presentation, The Jarrett Harper Story

Project Witness Google Headquarters
New York City / February 2020

Description: Google and YouTube, in partnership with the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth, launched Project Witness (50,000 views to date) – a project that uses immersive storytelling tools to build empathy through proximity. This campaign utilizes Google Lens and Virtual reality to anchor viewers in the experience of an incarcerated child. My participation in this project consists of a Google animation of my journey through the criminal justice system as a child.

California Endowment
Los Angeles, CA / December 2019

Description: California Endowment is a not-for-profit foundation with $3.4 million assets under management. The foundation primarily focuses on healthcare issues including access to healthcare, health and well-being in California. It is the largest private healthcare foundation in California.

• (Moderator) Dr. Robert K. Ross, California Endowment
• (Panelist) Shane Goldsmith, Liberty Hill Foundation
• (Panelist) Patrisse Cullors, Black Lives Matter, Board Chair of Dignity and Power Now
• (Panelist) Euniesses Hernandez, Just Leadership USA
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

Human Rights for Kids
Maryland / November 2019

Description: A non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights for children. Spoke before the Maryland legislature to reform laws against children who were incarcerated for committing crime against their abuser.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper, CEO and Founder of Better Days

Agriculture and Leadership Conference
San Rafael, CA / October 2019

Description: The Agricultural Leadership Foundation partners with the CALF Alumni Council, inviting its members to participate in a monthly series of discussions. Jennifer Schaffer, California’s Board of Parole Hearings Executive Officer, and I spoke directly to the Alumni on the importance of rehabilitation inside institutions and the benefits of second chances for society and returning citizens.

• (Speaker) Jarrett Harper – Criminal Justice Reform Presentation, The Jarrett Harper Story

Blue Meridian
New York City / October 2019

Description: The official first screening of ‘Just Mercy’ with a follow-up discussion. My involvement as a panelist included elevating the voices and humanity of the incarcerated population through my experiences in prison. In addition to my journey towards redemption through rehabilitation, I connected the audience to Bryan Stevenson’s work and accomplishments by being a recipient of relief after his victorious argument in the Supreme Court Miller vs. Alabama case.

• (Moderator) Megan Prunty Edelstein
• (Panelist) Producer, Scott Budnick
• (Panelist) Actress Oaran Oendrick, who portrays Millie McMillian in the film, Jarrett Harper
• (Panelist) Jarrett Harper, Friends at Work, Social Justice Impactor

Men for Honor
Colorado State University / October 4, 2019

The Agriculture Leadership Foundation partners with the CALF Alumni Council, inviting their members to participate in a monthly series of discussion they were founded for Schaffer, California’s Board of Parole Hearings Executive Officer, and I spoke directly to the Alumni on the importance of rehabilitation inside institutions and the benefits of second chances for society and returning citizens.

Completion of Approved Continuing Teacher and Leader Education Certificate (CTLE)
The University of the State of New York // May 21st, 2024

Certificate of Achievement – Basic and Intermediate Dog Training (18 weeks)
Paws for Life // May 30th, 2019

Certificate of Completion – Creating a Healing Society Certification Program (CHS Basic I, CHS Facilitator)
The Catalyst Foundation // January 24th, 2019

Certificate of Completion – Words Uncaged: Breaking the Cycle for Reentry Facilitator’s Training Program
Uncaged // September 2018

Certificate of Completion – Creating a Healing Society, Self-Help Program (12 Sessions)
The Catalyst Foundation // August 22nd, 2017

Certificate as a Facilitator – Facilitators Workshop and Apprenticed Three Workshops in Non-Violent Conflict Resolution
Alternative to Violence Project // May 26th, 2017

Certificate of Completion – Victim Sensitivity Awareness
Men For Honor // March 24th, 2017

Certificate Completion – Cognitive and Behavioral Tools for Positive Decision Making
Getting Out by Going In (GOG)I Group // October 22nd, 2016

Certificate of Achievement – Survey of the Bible
Crossroad // January 27th, 2016

Prep – Turning Point I and II Life Skills and Self Development Modules (80 Lessons) – Completed
Turning Point // November 1st, 2015

Certificate of Completion – Creating a Healing Society, Self-Help Program
The Catalyst Foundation // October 20th, 2015

Certificate of Achievement – Childhood Trauma, Negative Behavior, Excepting Responsibility, Victim Empathy, Embracing Alternative Choices
Helping Y.O.U.T.H. (Helping Youth Offenders Understand Their Harm) // May 13th, 2015

Certificate of Completion – Anger Management
Academy of Human Development // April 10th, 2015

Insight – Certification
Insight // March 23rd, 2015

Program Facilitator (Turning Point I and II, Anger Management, Domestic Violence)– Certificate of Appreciation
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) //December 3rd, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Sixth Packet of Life Skills & Self-Development Modules
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // October 22nd, 2014

Prep – Turning Point Life Skills and Self Development Modules (40 Lessons) – Completed
Turning Point // October 20, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Domestic Violence – Awareness
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // October 22nd, 2014

Certificate of Achievement – There is a Better Way
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // October 2nd, 2014

Certificate of Achievement – Victims Awareness
Men for Honor // September 8th, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Myths about Domestic Violence
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // August 15th, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Identify Domestic Violence
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // July 15th, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Anger Management (13th Lesson)
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // June 9th, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Anger Management – Home Study Program
American Community Corrections Institute // April 22nd, 2014

Heating and Air Conditioning with Honors (Diploma)
Ashworth College // March 4th, 2014

Certificate of Recognition – Walking in the Light
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // March 3rd, 2014

Certificate of Achievement – Living the Better Way (Six-Part Bible Correspondence Series)
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // March 3, 2014

Certificate of Completion – Employment Home Study Program
American Community Corrections Institute // February 26th, 2014

Certificate of Completion – The Way to Happiness Course
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // January 15th, 2014

Certificate of Achievement – Freedom Within
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // December 21, 2013

Certificate of Achievement – Prisoners of Hope (5 Lesson Series)
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // December 17th, 2013

Bible Correspondence Course “Firmly Rooted” – Certificate of Recognition
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // Corpus Christi, TX //December 17th, 2013

Certificate of Achievement – Freedom Within
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // December 21, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Fourth Packet of Life Skills & Self-Development Modules
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // November 21st, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Offender Corrections – Home Study Program
American Community Corrections Institute // October 24th, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Third Packet of Life Skills & Self-Development Modules
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // September 19, 2013

Certificate of Resolutions – Anger Management & Conflict Resolution
Friends Outside // September 19th, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Parenting Education Program
Friends Outside // September 10th, 2013

Certificate of Accomplishment– Re-entry Skills Workshop
Paving the Way Foundation // August 14th, 2013

Certificate of Appreciation & Participation – Gang Awareness Program
Prison Letters 6 Our Struggling Youth // August 5th, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Second Packet of Life Skills & Self-Development Modules
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // July 31st, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Study Guide Correspondence Course
Amazing Facts Bible Schol // June 27th, 2013

Certificate of Completion – “House of Healing – National Emotional Literacy Project for Prisoners (40 Hours)
Lionheart Foundation // June 27th, 2013

Certificate of Completion – First Packet of Life Skills & Self-Development Modules
Partnership for Re-entry Program (PREP) // May 5th, 2013

Certificate of Appreciation & Commendation – Education is our Children’s Future
Prison Letters 6 Our Struggling Youth // May 3rd, 2013

Certificate of Completion – Malachi Dads/Men Program
Malachi Dands/Men // April 13th, 2013

Certificate of Achievement – Great Truths of the Bible
Crossword Bible Institute // March 8th, 2013

Professional Paralegal Studies Program with Honors (Diploma)
Ashworth College // February 26th, 2013

Certificate of Achievement – Twelve Steps to Unwind a Crooked Path
King’s Crossing Church of Christ // October 2nd, 2010

Janitorial Services – Hard Floor and Restroom Technician Certification
Kern Valley Adult School //April 23, 2009

Janitorial Services – Basic Cleaner Certification
Kern Valley Adult School //April 8th, 2009

High School Diploma
Los Angeles County – Office of Education // October 31, 2000

Parole Justice Works

Orange County Register

Cal Matters

Human Rights For Kids

Human Right Watch