$6.5M allocated to NYC restorative justice programs

July 25, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

An AI image of a volunteer-led mentorship program pairing youth from underserved communities with mentors who provide support, guidance, and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

A youth mentorship program. AI image by Solid/Adobe Stock

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The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) and the City University of New York’s Institute for State & Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) announced a $6.5 million investment in restorative justice (RJ) programs at 16 community-based organizations across New York City. This initial funding is part of a larger $16.5 million multiyear initiative aimed at enhancing community-based conflict resolution and promoting public safety.

The RJ grantees were selected through a process managed by CUNY ISLG, and they include organizations such as Getting Out And Staying Out (GOSO) in East Harlem and Mazorca Colectiva in Queens.

The grants are divided into three categories: community-based programming, training and technical assistance, and fellowships. Each selected organization will receive up to $300,000 over the next 12 months for planning and implementation, with the possibility of additional funding later.

“This investment in restorative justice will enhance the necessary work of providing youth and community with the conflict resolution tools that foster healing and community cohesion,” said Deanna Logan, director of MOCJ.

“Restorative justice represents another crucial pathway to driving better outcomes for all New Yorkers, particularly those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system,” said Michael Jacobson, executive director of CUNY ISLG.

Restorative justice is a set of practices aimed at addressing conflict by fostering communication and empathy. It encourages those impacted by conflict to understand its root causes and effects and promotes accountability and healing.

Make the Road New York in Bushwick, one of the organizations benefiting from the $6.5 million investment in restorative justice programs announced by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and CUNY ISLG. Photo courtesy of Google Street View

The initiative followed recommendations from a 22-person Advisory Committee focused on supporting small and grassroots organizations. CUNY ISLG will manage and support the grantees, providing training and technical assistance to help them develop their capacity to offer RJ services.

Among the 2024 Restorative Justice Grant Winners, Dare to Revitalize Education through Arts & Mediation (DREAM!) will scale up their youth-centered school cultures initiative in the Bronx. Faith in Harm Reduction will build communities of care with people impacted by substance use in the Bronx and Manhattan. Getting Out And Staying Out (GOSO) will integrate healing circles and peacekeeping into its programs in East Harlem.

The Center for Justice Innovation (CJI) will expand the Youth PACT diversion program citywide. Make the Road New York will establish a Restorative Justice Youth Leaders corps in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Mazorca Colectiva will create peacemaking circles following ancestral wisdom in Queens. The Violence Intervention Program (VIP) will serve Hispanic domestic violence survivors citywide. We Build the Block will expand the Heal the Violence program in Brooklyn.

For training and technical assistance, Common Justice will train staff and leaders of violence intervention programs citywide. Erika Sasson will provide technical assistance and advanced facilitation training across the city. The Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility will integrate restorative practices in Northern Manhattan communities. The Restorative Justice Initiative will offer cohort-based training for community members through the Fund for the City of New York.

Fellowships include Change Impact’s Restorative Practice and Justice Fellowship citywide. The Institute for Transformative Mentoring will lead a fellowship for system-impacted mentors across the city. Kingsbridge Heights Community Center will develop a train-the-trainer model for youth in the Bronx. Radical Health will conduct a Restorative Health Circle Fellowship citywide.