Jail Guitar Doors USA | Music & Arts Programs for Reentry & Rehabilitation

Jail Guitar Doors USA empowers youth and adults impacted by incarceration through creative programs that support reentry, recovery, and employment

Mission

Changing Lives Through

The Power Of Music

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Support Jail Guitar Doors and The

C.A.P.O. Center

What We Do

Healing through Music, Arts Education, Mentorship, Reentry support

Jail Guitar Doors USA brings the universal healing power of music to historically marginalized communities and underserved populations, including system-impacted youth and adults experiencing incarceration. Our programs provide a creative and holistic pathway to successful reentry, recovery from past traumas, and gainful employment.

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Your gift creates pathways to healing, creativity, and opportunity.

Every donation supports music & arts education, mentorship, and reentry programs for youth and adults impacted by incarceration.

Have instruments to donate? Get in touch.

WHAT WE DO

We provide instruments, arts programming, mentorship, psychotherapy, and reentry housing to individuals impacted by incarceration and mental health challenges.

Through our Creative Expressions Songwriting Workshops—taught by JGD-USA Teaching Artists inside correctional facilities—we promote rehabilitation, reduce prison violence and recidivism, and support successful reentry.

We also partner with policy advocates and organizations to help drive lasting criminal justice reform.

Some footage of our recent trip down to Richard J. Donovan to see our programming in action with JGD-USA Teaching Artist, @demanifestor and @birdmanofrjd

The song “I Have No Fear” wasn�’t recorded on this trip—it was written and performed by incarcerated participants during a JGD-USA workshop on Alpha Facility at RJD between January and April 2024.

Explore more music from our inside artists on SoundCloud—link in bio.

Filmed by Alex & Jospeh, C.A.P.O. (@thecapocenter) Film Apprentices
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#jailguitardoors #incarceratedartists #musicheals #rehabilitation #artsinprison

We’re grateful to live and work in a city where people raise their voices with courage and compassion to stand up for the issues that matter to them. At Jail Guitar Doors, we believe in the power of community, the strength of collective voice, and that change begins when people show up for themselves and each other.

These past few weeks have reminded us of what’s possible when people unite with purpose—when they speak out, take action, and lift one another up.

📸: @federici1000
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#immigrantsmakeamericagreat #unityisstrength

We love hearing from our incarcerated program participants, and we especially love it when their letters include original artwork. ❤️

Grateful for the connection, always.
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#jailguitardoors #incarceration #incarceratedartists #artsinprison #prisonrehabilitation #musicsaveslives

Put your hands up if you love love and stand for inclusivity for all. ❤️💙💜💛💚🧡 
We originally created our “All Are Welcome Here” tees for the PRIDE Circle at C.A.P.O.—but we loved them so much, we had to open up a presale.

This is our very first piece of official C.A.P.O. merch, and every shirt sold supports our all-inclusive community center in the heart of Los Angeles.

Featuring original artwork by @federici1000 and a custom neck pad print. Wear it loud. Wear it proud.

Presale is live now—link in bio.
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#jailguitardoors #allarewelcomehere #allarewelcome #thecapocenter #pride #inclusive #inclusivecommunity

This Juneteenth, Jail Guitar Doors and @thecapocenter honors the past, acknowledges the on-going struggle, and recommits to a future where justice and freedom are more than words—they’re lived realities.

For our Black brothers and sisters who have long carried the weight of injustice, the fight is far from over, and we are with you.

JGD stands with youth and adults—inside the walls and beyond—using music, mentorship, and community to heal, resist, and rise. Our dedication to justice, liberation, and healing remains unshaken.

Happy Juneteenth.
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#juneteenth

Our team had the honor of joining @demanifestor and @birdmanofrjd for our JGD-USA workshop on two yards at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.

Huge thanks to Gabe, Rob, and Lt. Garvey for making it possible—and to the participants for welcoming us into their session. We’re truly grateful.
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#jailguitardoors #incarceratedartists #musicheals #rehabilitation #artsinprison

This #mentalhealthawarenessmonth our @neverabother Youth Mental Health Circles are showing up across Los Angeles—on billboards and in public spaces reminding youth they’re not alone, and healing is possible.

Our circles are FREE and open to ALL offering weekly group sessions and one-on-one therapy led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers from @theminoritypsychologynetwork

Every Friday at 4PM at @thecapocenter
7946 W. 3rd St. LA, CA 90048

Because you are #neverabother—and healing happens in community.

Funded by the California Department of Public Health contract #22-10895

📸: @federici1000
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#maymentalhealthawarenessmonth #mentalhealthsupport #988 #mentalhealthawareness

This hand-drawn card comes from JGD-USA program participants at Arizona State Prison Complex – Eyman, Meadows Unit. Dedicated to our Founder, @waynekramerofficial.

We’re continually inspired by the talent and heart of the artists in our programs.
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#jailguitardoors #incarceratedartists #incarceratedartist #artheals #musicheals #rehabilitation

We are proud to announce that we are a provider with DYD’s Reentry Action for Youth (RAY) Program!

Our staff will provide transformative mentorship and connect justice-involved youth with the services they need to navigate reentering their community.

To learn more about the RAY Program, contact RAY@dyd.lacounty.gov
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#justiceimpacted #justiceinvolved #reentry #reentrymatters #reentryprogram

JGD is proud to provide guitars to @antirecidivismcoalition for their upcoming show at New Folsom Prison.
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#jailguitardoors #musicheals #incarceration #rehabilitation #incarceratedlivesmatter #endmassincarceration #guitars

Monday nights = community, connection, and recovery. Our open 12-step meeting is back tonight at @thecapocenter—a welcoming space to share, listen, and support one another. Wherever you are on your journey, you belong here.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048
⏰ 8:00 PM
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous #sobrietysupport

We are deeply grateful to our dear friend and long-time supporter, Yael, for her generous donation to Jail Guitar Doors. 🎉

Yael bid on a guitar at @tommorello’s @waynekramerofficial tribute show, benefiting JGD-USA and The C.A.P.O. Center. Unfortunately, due to a system error, she wasn’t the winning bidder.

However, Tom—Wayne’s close friend and a dedicated supporter of our program—arranged for another guitar to be signed for Yael, ensuring she received her autographed piece.

We were thrilled to present it to her at @thecapocenter earlier this week. We are truly thankful for the unwavering, heartfelt support from both Tom and Yael over the years.
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #tommorello #soulpower #musicheals

Our open 12-step recovery meeting is back tonight and every Monday at @thecapocenter. A space to share, heal, and support each other—wherever you are on your journey, you’re welcome here.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 ⏰ 8:00 PM
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous #sobrietysupport

JGD-USA Teaching Artists Paul and Pete at Lancaster State Prison, celebrating graduation with original songs written by participants during their 20-week program.
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#jailguitardoors #incarceration #incarceratedlivesmatter #musicheals

Our open 12-step recovery meeting is back tonight and every Monday at @thecapocenter. All are welcome—see you there!

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 ⏰ 8:00 PM
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous #sobrietysupport

Repost from JGD-USA Teaching Artist, @demanifestor

“I recently did an interview with my good friend @jessicasusolik for Newport Living Magazine, talking about what we do at RJD (Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility) with Jail Guitar Doors.

It turned out beautifully. We got to highlight the success of some of my favorite peeps.”

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
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#jailguitardoors #rehabilitation #musicheals #incarceration #incarceratedlivesmatter

We carry Dr. King’s legacy forward by amplifying voices, breaking barriers, and fostering change through the power of music. Let’s honor his dream by building a world rooted in justice and equality for all.
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#mlk #mlkday

Join our @neverabother Youth Circles for Mental Health Resiliency every Friday, 3:30–4:30 PM, at @thecapocenter

Led by Darrius X. Carter, LCSW from the @minoritypsychologynetwork and Sam Pow, LCSW.

Open to all—come as you are.

🎥: Joseph & Alex, C.A.P.O. Film Apprentices

Funded by the California Department of Public Health under contract #22-10895
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#youthsuicideprevention #letsgetbettertogether #musicheals #988 #neverabother #mentalhealthsupport

JGD crew in our new hoodies!

Designed by @federici1000 for our staff holiday party, these hoodies are too good to keep just for us.

We’re releasing the very limited stock we have left. As always, 100% of the proceeds go directly toward providing music programs and education for youth and adults impacted by the justice system.
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #musicheals #artsinaction #youthempowerment #justicesystem #justicereform

Our weekly open 12-step recovery meeting is still happening tonight at @thecapocenter, providing a safe space for those who need it.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 ⏰ 8:00 PM

As wildfires continue in Los Angeles, please travel safely and prioritize your well-being.

Everyone is welcome.
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #12steps #alcoholicsanonymous #sobrietysupport

Our hearts are with our city as we face the devastation of the ongoing wildfires.

We’re here to support with our @neverabother healing circles with @minority_psychology_network every Friday at 3:30 PM at @thecapocenter

N95 masks & filtered water will be available. Stay tuned for mutual aid updates in our stories.

Stay safe, we will get through this together.
—Jail Guitar Doors Team

FreshTracks Graduate and Teaching Artist @kzo.world opening for @tommorello at @theroxy

This special night honored @waynekramerofficial and raised funds for JGD-USA and @thecapocenter. 🤘🎸
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#jailguitardoors #waynekramer #tommorello #theroxytheatre

A standout moment from 2024:

FreshTracks Graduate and Teaching Artist @brotha_raashay opened for @tommorello at @theroxy

This special night honored @waynekramerofficial and raised funds for JGD-USA and @thecapocenter. 🤘🎸
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#jailguitardoors #waynekramer #tommorello #theroxytheatre

One of our 2024 highlights:

@jasonheathandthegreedysouls and FreshTracks Graduate + Teaching Artist @zachdelucifer opened for @tommorello at @theroxy. (That guitar solo, though! 👀🔥)

This show honored @waynekramerofficial and raised funds for JGD-USA and @thecapocenter. 🤘🎸
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#jailguitardoors #waynekramer #tommorello #theroxytheatre

Highlighting one of our favorite moments this year: VinylFest at @farmersmarketla 🤘🏻

🎥: Alex & Joseph—Film Apprentices in our U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program.

This program creates paid opportunities for formerly justice-involved youth & young adults to build skills and careers in music and media.

Your support makes it all possible. Every donation counts!
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#vinylfest #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #originalfarmersmarketlosangeles #apprenticeship

This year, we proudly launched the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program, creating career pathways in music and media for formerly justice-involved youth and young adults.

Our apprentices benefit from crucial support, including access to housing, mental health services, mentorship, and case management—tools that empower them to achieve workforce success and economic equity.

Your donation can make a lasting impact. Through the end of the year, your support helps provide the resources and opportunities these young leaders need to succeed. Every contribution counts!

🎥: Alex and Joseph, Film Apprentices
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #apprenticeship #workforceready

Some festive snapshots from our JGD Holiday Party. Wishing you all a very happy holiday season!

📸: Joseph, Film Apprentice
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#happyholidays #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter

We’re back tonight at @thecapocenter for our weekly open 12-step recovery meeting.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St. LA, CA 90048
⏱️ 8:00pm

All are welcome—see you there!
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter

Last week, the JGD crew celebrated with participants at Men’s Central Jail for their graduation. Through music, these individuals have unlocked new ways to express themselves, heal, and grow.

Jail Guitar Doors has touched the lives of over 10,000 justice-involved individuals across 167+ facilities, using music as a powerful tool for hope and transformation.

For every $150 donated, we deliver an acoustic guitar, tuner, and gig bag to someone experiencing incarceration—providing them with a means of self-expression and rehabilitation.

Support our mission through the link in our bio. Together, we can keep “changing lives one guitar at a time”.

All donations are tax deductible.
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#jailguitardoors #rehabilitateandrelease #musicsaveslives

@zachdelucifer holding it down with the C.A.P.O. Mobile Recording Studio RV during VinylFest at the @farmersmarketla
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #originalfarmersmarket #vinylfest

Repost from @brotha_raashay

I got ah letter from the goverment and it said wu tang clan ain’t nothing to fuck wit !

Couldn’t of set ah better way to end the year
Show was ah dream come true.

Much love to @jailguitardoorsusa @thecapocenter @tommorello @rza @mrchuckd @waynekramerofficial for making it happen.👏
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#hiphop #wutang #publicenemy #tommorello #ripwaynekramer

JGD-USA crew working VinylFest at @farmersmarketla this past weekend.

Huge thanks to VinylFest for having us and to everyone who stopped by our table to chat and grab some merch. We appreciate your support!
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#vinylfest #theoriginalfarmersmarket #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #artsinprison #musicheals #incarceration

A beautiful tribute to our Co-Founder, @waynekramerofficial by @tommorello at @theroxy

We are endlessly grateful for Tom’s support of our mission. 🎸🤘🏻
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#tommorello #waynekramer #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #incarceration #musicheals

**Repost from @demanifestor

New Jail Guitar Doors cohorts! Preparing all the first week materials for every student on three yards at Donovan and reflecting on brother Wayne’s sentiment. I put that quote on every Welcome page because motherfuckaz (academic term) gotta KNOW.
#mentalhealth #musicology

It is truly an honor to work with these individuals on such a personal level to help them talk about things they have never confronted. Everyone needs therapy, I’ll say it again for the adults in the back who think they have their life all figured out. *Everyone* needs therapy.
#media

I recently did some in-depth interviews on what we do in our Jail Guitar Doors classes, so hold tight for the publications. Also, the newest songs from the last group will be up on the JGD at RJD SoundCloud this month! They came with the heat, truly. One of my most favorite chord progressions and choruses came from a handful of LWOPs and a brother on death row on Alpha Yard, a yard that has been plagued with ODs and violence. Music > Drugs

#waynekramer #talentedmusicians #rock #kickoutthejams #prisonlife #musiciansdaily #musicismedicine #musicology

This Giving Tuesday, and through the end of the year, we’re reflecting on the power of community and commitment.

COMMUNITY is the heart and soul of Jail Guitar Doors. We are profoundly grateful to each of you as members of our JGD community for your tributes to our Co-Founder, @waynekramerofficial, for your kind words of encouragement, and for the financial support that has sustained us through our most challenging year.

COMMITMENT is our path forward. This year, we launched the U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program alongside our housing initiative. This program provides career pathways in music and media for formerly justice-involved youth and young adults.

With referrals from the Los Angeles County Department of Probation and support from @amityfdn our paid apprentices receive housing, mental health services, mentorship, and case management—essential tools to achieve workforce success and economic equity.

Join us this Giving Tuesday and through the end of the year to make a lasting impact. Your support helps provide the tools, resources, and opportunities our @thecapocenter apprentices need to build brighter futures. Every contribution counts.
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#givingtuesday #yearendgiving #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #youtharethefuture

What an unforgettable night at @thehotelcafe raising funds for JGD-USA and @thecapocenter while celebrating @waynekramerofficial

Who’s joining us this Thursday at @theroxy? We can’t wait to see you all there!
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #waynekramer #tommorello #jacksonbrowne #hotelcafe

Join us tonight at @thecapocenter for our open 12-step recovery meeting.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St. LA, CA 90048
⏱️ 8:00pm

All are welcome—see you there!
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter

Black Friday starts now! Save 25% on JGD-USA apparel and support our mission of ‘changing lives one guitar at a time.’

Discount automatically applied at checkout.
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#blackfriday #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter

What a night at @thehotelcafe celebrating @waynekramerofficial, JGD-USA, and @thecapocenter

Endless gratitude to @tommorello @jacksonbrowne @jasonheathandthegreedysouls and everyone who came out to support our mission.

Make sure to watch until the end to catch the unforgettable moment when @tommorello brought Teaching Artist @slausonavejc to the stage—it was epic!

We can’t wait to do it all again at @theroxy on December 5th!
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #waynekramer #tommorello #jacksonbrowne

JGD-USA is thrilled to join the inaugural VinylFest at the @farmersmarketla

📅 Saturday, December 7th, 2024 @ 11am - 7pm
📍 Clock Tower Plaza (next to The Grove)

Celebrate vinyl, DJ culture, and classic rock & roll with a day of music, creativity, and a touch of holiday magic.

Stop by to check out @thecapocenter mobile RV recording studio, shop some merch, and enter our guitar raffle.

Other event highlights:

▫️Live DJ vinyl sets by Alpha Theta (Pioneer Music)
▫️Rare records from @amoebahollywood
▫️Rock photography by @jeffkravitz
▫️Rock-themed pinball by @sternpinball
▫️Vinyl listening stations by @kcrw

See you there!
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#jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #vinyllovers #originalfarmersmarket

Open 12-step recovery meeting tonight and every Monday at 8 PM at @thecapocenter. All are welcome—see you there!
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#aa #recoverymeetings #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #12steps

We want to hear your voice!

Youth and caregivers from selected communities across theState of California are being invited to participate in the Mental Health + Support Survey.

Please complete the survey with the link in our bio.

We remain steadfast in our mission to end mass incarceration and build a just, equitable America. While the outcomes of Proposition 6 and Proposition 36 may influence the current landscape, they will not weaken our resolve.

We continue to fight against the criminalization and systemic mistreatment of marginalized communities, where both youth and adults are disproportionately impacted. Our work is dedicated to breaking cycles of injustice and creating pathways for individuals—especially those from underserved communities—to heal, grow, and thrive.

Join us in the fight for reform at jailguitardoors.org
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#massincarceration #incarceratedlivesmatter #endmassincarceration

We’re back tonight and every Monday at @thecapocenter for our open 12-step recovery session. Find the support you need on your journey to recovery—you’re not alone in this.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 🕗 8:00 PM

All are welcome. See you there!
. . . #12stepjourney #12steps #aa #support #losangelesrecovery #thecapocenter #jailguitardoors #alcoholicsanonymous #communitysupport

@tommorello representing Jail Guitar Doors this past weekend while inducting @waynekramerofficial and @mc5alive into the @rockhall 🤘🏻🎸

Founded by Wayne Kramer, JGD-USA brings the transformative power of music to historically marginalized communities and underserved populations, including system-impacted youth and adults experiencing incarceration. Our programs offer creative pathways to successful reentry, trauma recovery, and gainful employment.

Every purchase supports our mission of rehabilitation and empowerment. Check out our official JGD merch store—link in bio.
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#jailguitardoors #youtharethefuture #incarceration #rehabilitate #rehabilitateandrelease #massincarceration #thecapocenter #musicheals #endmassincarceration #tommorello #rockandrollhalloffame #rockhall #waynekramer

This Sunday, we celebrate the remarkable legacy of Wayne Kramer, Founder of Jail Guitar Doors USA, as he is posthumously inducted into the @rockhall alongside his @mc5alive bandmates.

While this induction marks a significant milestone in music, Wayne’s true legacy is rooted in his deep commitment to rehabilitating youth and adults impacted by incarceration. He recognized the transformative power of music and devoted his life to uplifting others.

To honor him in the way he would have cherished most, let’s support his mission. Consider donating to Jail Guitar Doors and @thecapocenter to continue his essential work in empowering those seeking a second chance. Your contribution can make a meaningful difference in his name.
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#waynekramer #rockhall #rockandrollhalloffame #guitarhero #mc5 #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #musicheals #incarceration #endmassincarceration

JGD Teaching Artists back at Men’s Central Jail, bringing another powerful session of healing through music to those experiencing incarceration.

Your donation allows us to bring this essential programming to youth and adult facilities across the country. Support our work—donate today.
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#incarceration #incarceratedlivesmatter #musicheals #musicprogram #artsincorrections #artsaveslives #musicsaveslives #jailguitardoors #artheals #musichealsthesoul

Join us tonight and every Monday at @thecapocenter for our open 12-step recovery meeting.

Come find support on your path to recovery—you’re not in this alone.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 🕗 8:00 PM

Everyone is welcome. See you there!
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#12stepstorecovery #12steps #aa #recovery #losangelesrecovery #thecapocenter #jailguitardoors #alcoholicsanonymous #openmeeting

A HUGE thank you to @amityfdn for their incredible support through the Program Area 22 grant for at-risk youth. Because of their generosity, we can provide essential reentry housing for youth affected by the juvenile justice system.

When we launched C.A.P.O. in 2021, we couldn’t anticipate all the challenges our youth would face, but we quickly realized that stable housing is a vital necessity.

With Amity’s support, we’re turning our housing vision into reality, paving the way for transformative change in our youth’s lives. Together, we’re empowering them to support themselves and their families, build generational wealth, and break the cradle-to-prison pipeline—all while fostering safer, stronger communities.

Thank you, @amityfdn
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#youtharethefuture #atriskyouth #jailguitardoors #thecapocenter #juvenilejustice #incarceration

We’re back tonight and every Monday at @thecapocenter for our open 12-step recovery meeting.

Join us to find support on your recovery journey—you’re not alone in this.

📍 7946 W. 3rd St., LA, CA 90048 🕗 8:00 PM

Open to all. We look forward to seeing you there!
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#12stepstorecovery #12steps #aa #recovery #losangelesrecovery #thecapocenter #jailguitardoors #alcoholicsanonymous #openmeeting

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Jail Guitar Doors USA empowers youth and adults impacted by incarceration through creative programs that support reentry, recovery, and employment

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