Executive Summary

Intensely engaged with youth and families in schools, the juvenile justice system, and communities since our founding in 2005, RJOY is a seasoned restorative justice and violence interruption organization. We are renowned for practicing restorative justice through a racial equity and indigenous healing lens. A black woman-led organization, staff hovers at 90% BIPOC, with 35% formerly incarcerated and 20% LGBTQIA. All represent or share the lived experiences of our communities. We are passionate proponents of both social justice and community healing. *And,* we are re-imagining how to ensure public safety.

For violence intervention and prevention, we provide intensive street outreach, community trauma healing, care management, and emergency crisis response -- particularly *non-police* crisis response. We facilitate grief and healing circles, memorial gardens, community repasts, and referrals to professional, culturally-specific trauma healing resources and wrap-around services. We provide support for funeral expenses.

With a strong record of success, we de-escalate trauma responses -- *without police *-- and reduce the likelihood of retaliatory violence. For instance, about a year ago, when a father was fatally gunned down by another father in the presence of 60 youth—including their sons—at football practice, the community called RJOY. We held community healing circles in the park where the killing occurred, allowing youth and others to collectively process their anger, hurt, and frustration in cathartic yet safe ways. We provided post-trauma support. Community members know to call upon RJOY when in crisis. Being there for families in their hour of need, we have gained the confidence and trust of many.

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