Restorative Community Program Components

Programs meet one to two evenings a week, for 18 to 24 sessions. Evenings begin with a community meal followed by groups for learning and healing.

The following Restorative Practices support participants through the program:

Restorative Community

An environment fostering caring relationships supports growth throughout the program. Participants experience fellowship, belonging, bonding, acceptance and mutual support. They come to know the reality of second chances, reconciliation and forgiveness.

Trauma-Informed Practice

Participants begin to understand that what has happened to them affects how they live in the present. Reflecting on their life story helps them to prepare for the future.

Mentoring

Each participant is paired with a mentor from the community who journeys with them throughout the program. Mentors learn the importance of accompaniment. Emphasis is on a shared journey.

Integrative Restorative Life Practices

These life practices emphasize empowerment, mindfulness and a solution-focused approach to problem-solving, goal-setting and achievement. Concrete and relational skills are taught within this framework.

Successful Transitions

Participants transition from victim to survivor, discovering strengths and new perspectives, and understanding and managing responses to trauma.

Healing and Creating a Future

Participants’ reflection on their unique life-story helps them prepare for the future. They set new life goals and renew and heal relationships.

Meeting Basic Needs

Connections to local social service agencies are provided by an MSW intern, specifically assigned to the program. Access to resources for housing, jobs, education and healthcare are also provided.

Data

Pre- and post-program trauma data are collected from participants, with a follow-up study six months later, to ensure continued program quality and improvement. Programs that keep fidelity to the model see a reduction in participants’ trauma scores, increased coping and improved well-being.