July 2026 Newsletter

JCOD Takes Part in FIFA Fan Zone Experiences in Los Angeles County

Thousands of soccer fans gathered at official FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zones across Los Angeles County this month, enjoying live match viewings, entertainment, food and family-friendly activities.

JCOD joined the celebration at Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park in South Los Angeles from July 4–5 and Whittier Narrows Recreation Area from July 9–11. JCOD staff connected with thousands of attendees, shared information about JCOD programs and services, and offered interactive games and giveaways.

The events also showcased JCOD’s partnership with LA Metro and West Coast Customs. Stationed alongside LA Metro, the official public transit provider for FIFA World Cup 2026, JCOD featured one of four custom-designed World Cup buses transformed by West Coast Customs into immersive fan experiences. The project also provided hands-on workforce opportunities for graduates of the West Coast Customs Academy, with QR codes on each bus linking visitors directly to JCOD resources.

One of the event’s biggest attractions was JCOD’s limited-edition soccer jersey giveaway. Catch a recap of JCOD’s Fan Zone experience
here, and follow @LACJCOD for future giveaways and updates.

JCOD, LA Metro and West Coast Customs Collaboration Featured on NBC4 & Telemundo 52

JCOD’s collaboration with LA Metro and West Coast Customs was recently featured by NBC4 and Telemundo.

The partnership transformed four Metro buses into one-of-a-kind FIFA World Cup fan experiences featuring Los Angeles-inspired designs, interactive interior and QR codes connecting riders to JCOD programs and services.

Five graduates of the JCOD Skills and Opportunities for the Careers of Tomorrow (SECTOR) program and West Coast Customs Academy partnership also contributed to the final buildout of the buses that were featured at official FIFA World Cup Fan Zones throughout LA County.

Check out NBC4’s feature on the collaboration and to learn more about SECTOR, click here.

JCOD Receives Two National Achievement Awards

JCOD was recently recognized with two more 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards for its Reentry Interim Housing program and Justice-Involved Individual (JII) Panel, bringing the department’s total to 14 NACo Achievement Awards since 2024.

The annual awards recognize innovative county programs that improve services and strengthen communities nationwide. Reentry Interim Housing provides JII with safe, supportive housing and life skills programming to help them transition toward long-term stability.

The JII panel ensures the voices of people with lived experience are included in the discussion to help shape JCOD’s programs and services. The honors highlight JCOD’s commitment to creating person-centered solutions and improve outcomes across Los Angeles County.

For more information on JCOD’s NACo award-winning programs and other JCOD programs, click
here.

For more information about NACo’s Achievement Awards, click
here.

JCOD WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

JCOD Celebrates First EMT Training Cohort Graduation at LA County Training Center

JCOD celebrated the graduation of the first Emergency Medical Technician EMT Training Cohort at the Los Angeles County Training Center (LACTC) on July 3, marking another milestone in expanding career pathways for justice-impacted individuals.

The celebration began with a Freedom Hike along Malibu’s scenic Corral Canyon Trail, where JCOD program participants, partners, supporters, and staff took part in the hike before returning to the LACTC campus for the graduation ceremony and Fourth of July celebration.

Eight graduates, all women, successfully completed the inaugural EMT training program and received Certificates of Completion recognizing their hard work and dedication.

JCOD Director Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.) congratulated the graduates on their achievement alongside Public Works Alliance Principal and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Metcalfe, who also recognized the graduates’ perseverance and commitment.

The EMT Training Program is one of JCOD’s newest workforce development programs. It provides participants with the training, certifications and support needed to pursue careers in emergency medical services.

Following the ceremony, graduates gathered with their families, partners and JCOD staff for a Fourth of July barbecue to celebrate their accomplishments.

To learn more about the program click here or email LACTC@jcod.lacounty.gov for more information.

JCOD PRETRIAL SERVICES

JCOD Pretrial Services Court Support Helps Antelope Valley Participant Rebuild Her Life

When Dayzunique Bernstine first arrived at the Lancaster Courthouse in October 2025, she felt overwhelmed and uncertain about her future.

JCOD Courthouse Navigator Darren Santa recognized she was in distress and approached her with information about the JCOD’s Independent Pretrial Services Agency (IPSA) and supports available to provide assistance. Although she initially declined assistance, she later returned with questions.

Through JCOD’s IPSA Courthouse Navigation Program in the Antelope Valley Courthouse, Darren listened, conducted a needs screening, and connected her to resources that became instrumental in helping her rebuild her life.

Through JCOD’s IPSA, Ms. Bernstine enrolled in court reminder services, employment assistance, housing support, parenting classes, and the Paving the Way SECTOR Program, where she earned a Certificate in Case Management. After losing her job and facing possible homelessness while criminal charges were pending, she remained committed to moving forward. Housing stabilization support from The Catalyst Foundation helped her maintain stable housing while she secured employment, first through DoorDash and later with Amazon.

Despite the emotional and legal challenges she faced, Ms. Bernstine never missed a court appearance and remained focused on her goals. On June 17, 2026, all charges against her were dismissed. The next day, she interviewed for a full-time position with Amazon, marking the beginning of a promising new chapter.

Ms. Bernstine’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, compassionate support, and second chances.

To learn more about JCOD’s award-winning IPSA and Courthouse Navigation Program, click
here.

JCOD Staff Spotlight: Emily Bradford Senior Program Manager

Emily Bradford is celebrating three years with JCOD this month, her first experience with LA County after previous work in the nonprofit world. She has previously served in several nonprofit roles, including nonprofit operations and writing workshops for system-impacted youth.

She first began her tenure with JCOD while working on her Master of Public Administration at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy, which she eventually earned in 2024. Prior to JCOD, she worked for various nonprofits in various capacities, from operations to leading writing workshops for system impacted youth.

Emily joined JCOD while completing her Master of Public Administration at USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. She earned the degree in 2024. Prior to JCOD, she worked for various nonprofits in various capacities, from operations to leading writing workshops for system impacted youth.

As a Senior Program Manager, Emily oversees JCOD’s workforce programs with housing components, the Los Angeles County Training Center (LACTC) and Breaking Barriers. She also develops processes around JCOD’s internal database, streamline procedures for service providers and identify opportunities to improve and expand programming.

Emily said she knew from the beginning that JCOD aligned with her professional goals and personal values.

“I could not think of an opportunity that aligned more with my goals and values than the job listing I read for the position I applied to with JCOD. The most exciting part at the time was that JCOD was a brand-new county department. There was so much opportunity for growth and expansion of services the department provides to the population, and an opportunity for me to be part of that growth,” she shared.

Emily has already accomplished a lot in her time at JCOD, but one thing in particular sticks out – working with the cadets in LACTC’s programs. “Being able to be on-site in Calabasas with participants and hear their successes and challenges first-hand shows proof of models I have researched. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the human impact of our work at JCOD,” she explained.

Originally from Orange County, Emily is the eldest of six siblings. In addition to her MPA from USC, she also earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Whittier College.

In her spare time, Emily enjoys being active in the local art and music community of Ventura County, where she resides with her dog, Elliot. She plays guitar in a band called Setsuna, writes short stories and cultural essays and loves learning new things, from weaving chainmail to web design.

Organization Spotlight

Organization Spotlight: Twinspire

Twinspire was founded in 2019 by twin brothers Tae and Tray Thompson, inspired by the passing of their foster father in 2013 and a shared commitment to helping young people thrive.

The organization provides financial empowerment, social-emotional learning, career development, mentorship, paid internships, scholarships and cooking classes to equip youth with practical life skills and pathways to success.

“We envisioned an organization where youth with lived experience could both receive and teach life skills, creating opportunities for growth, leadership and empowerment,” said co-founder and CEO Dr. Tae Thompson.

After hearing about JCOD through other nonprofits, Twinspire joined JCOD’s Incubation Academy and graduated from Cohort 7. Tae credits the program with strengthening the organization’s capacity, improving budgeting, expanding its digital presence and enhancing grant development efforts to support long-term sustainability.

Upcoming Event

Twinspire will host its Free Youth Empowerment Summit on Friday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to youth ages 16–26, the event will feature workshops, activities, free food, prizes and more. Sign up
here.