Restorative Justice Hubs: Building Connections for Stronger Communities
It’s time to invest in human potential—not in punishment and isolation. Now more than ever, we must prioritize solutions that foster connection, healing, and opportunity. Restorative justice offers a community-centered approach that strengthens relationships and helps individuals and families thrive.
RJ Hubs is a collective grounded in the belief that lasting transformation occurs when communities are supported with the resources, relationships, and capacity to meet people’s needs—from housing and education to mental health, employment, and social support. By shifting away from systems of confinement, we build pathways toward collective care, dignity, and community well-being.
We seek to strengthen organizations and the people who work in them to more effectively address local trauma and need without staff burn out
BytheNumbers
6
Restorative Justice Hubs across Chicago
51,732
participants served in 2024
183,000+
hours with participants and families
2,700+
referrals to jobs, housing, mental heath, and more
1,325
mediations for healing and conflict resolution
WhyItMatters
RestRestorative justice strengthens communities by fostering connection, accountability, and healing. Research shows that the harmful effects of adversity and trauma can be reversed when people live with help, hope, and support (Longhi, Brown, & Fromm Reed, 2021). The Restorative Justice Hubs are hyper-local spaces that meet people where they are, building bridges for those who have been disconnected and most in need.
Longhi, D., Brown, M., & Fromm Reed, S. (2021). Community-Wide Resilience Mitigates Adverse Childhood Experiences on Adult and Youth Health, School/Work, and Problem Behaviors. The American Psychologist, 76(2), 216–229.
WhatWe'reDoing
Addressing Childhood Trauma
Directly informed by the latest science on trauma, the RJ Hubs model is designed as a strategy to help individuals and communities heal from the lasting impacts of adverse childhood experiences, systemic inequality, and exposure to community violence—building pathways toward resilience and well-being.
Creating Safe Spaces
Youth and adults are supported in building healthy relationships and expressing themselves in welcoming and hospitable spaces as they commit to the journey of healing and growth.
Developing Skills & Competencies
We support youth and adults in realizing their potential as agents of positive change through services, trainings, and programs that nurture personal growth, mental health, employment, and education. Offerings range from record production to culinary arts, sports, and coaching.
Informing Legislators & Policymakers
We collaborate with communities and engage with legislators and policymakers to influence, create, and improve policies that help repair systemic harm, address resource gaps, and reduce the inequalities and barriers that hinder community well-being.
Supporting Sustainable Healing & Growth
Community-led restorative justice engages all members of the community in resolving conflicts and creating opportunities for positive transformation. Restorative Justice (RJ) Hubs focus on addressing underlying risk factors while equipping individuals with the resources and skills necessary to thrive.
Evaluation
All RJ Hubs participate in data collection and monitoring allowing for them to utilize data to track organization activities and impacts and improve programming and services to best service participants and local communities. Data is shared across RJ Hub partners to allow for reporting of collective impact, while highlighting the unique work being done by individual RJ Hub organizations. For more information contact RJ Hubs data manager, Danielle Nesi, Ph.D. at dnesi@adler.edu.
Testimonials
ULS has an extensive mentoring program that links youth to adults who serve as positive role models and help them connect to school and job opportunities. As one youth stated: “they’re like our older brothers. They tell us what we need. … [they are] helping me get my life together.”New Life Centers
When a program participant began at ALSO he was engaged in high risk behaviors. Once engaged in programming, a resume for employment was created. This helped the participant secure part-time job through the ALSO network. Soon after, a carpenter's apprenticeship training was completed, followed by another job offer. Barriers to future employment were removed as a result of ALSO's expungement work. This participant is still working these two jobs, and now volunteers to give back with ALSO and partnering agencies, and now is less at risk.Alliance of Local Service Organizations
Youth at PBMR reported that the most impactful component of PBMR was the philosophy of “radical hospitality” of not turning any youth away, even if the youth commits a criminal act while receiving services. In the words of one youth, “they help you help yourself.”Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
