OUR MISSION
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Pure Legacee’s mission is to be a haven of healing for young girls who have experienced trauma. We aim to provide an alternative to incarceration and homelessness for girls who are directly impacted by the criminal justice system and aging out of foster care.
OUR PROGRAMS
Pure Legacee’s programs have an overall goal to reduce recidivism rates of young, systems-impacted girls. We promote a positive, inclusive and collegiate learning environment where participants can succeed and become productive members of society as well as mentors for young girls in their community.
RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT
We aim to provide a safe residential space to young girls aging out of the foster care system so they can become independent, self-sustaining adults.
MENTORING TRAINING
A 16-week mentoring training program featuring healing activities including workshops, field trips, group counseling and individual coaching.
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY TRAINING
A 10-week community advocacy and organizing training program that encourages participants to change legal policies and laws surrounding mass incarceration and the foster care system using social media.
OUR TEAM
NAQUASIA POLLARD
Executive Director & Founder
Naquasia Pollard is an advocate, activist and direct service provider. She was incarcerated for 15 years in a Women’s Correctional Facility at the age of 19. After being released in 2017, she worked at the Ladies of Hope Ministries where she utilized her BA in Sociology, earned in prison, to support women impacted by incarceration.
YINIA RAMIREZ
Program Director
Yinia Ramirez attended the South Bronx Job Corps Academy at the age of 16 where she received her High School Equivalency Diploma and a vocational certification in Business Technology. She later attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice while working in various roles at Job Corps and subsequently at personal injury law firms.
YOLANDA JOHNSON-PETERKIN
Board Member
Yolanda Johnson-Peterkin is known for her groundbreaking approach to reintegrating people with justice histories back into public housing with their families. Under her leadership, the Family Reentry program in New York City Housing Authority has become the model for Housing Authorities across the United States.
SHANEQUA CHARLES
Board Member
Shanequa Charles is the executive director of Miss Abbie’s Kids Inc., an organization that focuses on producing a more sustainable and healthier Bronx child through real world teachings, workshops, community events and more.
SHAWNTIARA HEYES
Board Member
Shawntiara Heyes is an unstoppable advocate for the LTBTQI community. She is an Ambassador for Young New Yorkers, which provides arts-based diversion programs for young people, and a Credible Messenger from the New School.
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519 Rockaway Avenue
4th Floor
Brooklyn, New York 11212
