The Gordon Bernell Charter High School offers incarcerated youth and young adults–and some students who have already begun the transition to civilian life–an opportunity to earn a diploma and/or certifications that can spell success in creating new careers.
The school’s three campuses–at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), Albuquerque Job Corps, and on North Fourth–honor the memory of Albuquerque activist Gordon Bernell, who transformed lives over 18 years of service to juvenile detainees by establishing the nation’s first jail-based computerized literacy lab, the Youth Outreach Program, the Bernalillo County Detention Center Inmate and Child Christmas Program, and a 15,000-book library at the jail. Gorden Bernell students are in the process of finding adequate employment despite a conviction and putting newfound skills to use in the workplace. The transition out of incarceration is often rough, especially for mothers who are trying to find work while also caring for dependent children. The school can use help in the form of financial donations and these hygiene supplies: deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, lotion, tissues, nail clippers and files, and hair ties.
Donations can be dropped off at the main Gordon Bernell campus at 2821 4th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107, Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The school will close from December 20 to December 31. Donors can call Sahra Saedi at 505-553-5885 for more help or specific questions.