Vera works closely with government and civic leaders to urgently build and improve justice systems that ensure fairness, promote safety, and strengthen communities.

Core values

- **Reducing Mass Incarceration**: Vera has helped reduce jail populations significantly, such as a 70% reduction in New Orleans and a 35% reduction in Oklahoma City, which addresses the societal issue of overincarceration and its detrimental effects on communities[5].
- **Promoting Education and Legal Representation**: Vera's work has provided thousands of incarcerated people with access to higher education and increased legal representation for immigrant families, which improves quality of life and promotes positive change[1][3].
- **Transforming Justice Systems**: Vera's efforts have led to significant criminal justice reforms, such as eliminating money bail and fines, and transforming prison conditions to focus on dignity, healing, and restoration rather than punishment[5].
- **Addressing Racial and Ethnic Inequities**: Vera's work aims to end racial and ethnic inequities in the justice system, particularly for girls and marginalized groups, which contributes to community well-being and social justice[5].