About Us
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To empower communities by cultivating a culture of healing and resilience through the practices and services of Restorative Justice.
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A world where compassion and meaningful accountability replace punitive measures, leading to thriving individuals and resilient communities, where every wound is a stepping stone to healing.
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Our Story
The Restorative Roots Project (RRP) was founded in 2021 after the passing of House Bill 2204 in Oregon, which directed the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) to fund programs to establish and implement restorative justice (RJ) initiatives throughout the state.
Grant funding was awarded by the CJC to another nonprofit, who partnered with community members, organizations, and system partners to create and oversee the RRP program. RRP was established as an alternative to incarceration, pre-indictment RJ program, receiving referrals from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office with support from the Metropolitan Public Defender’s office. As 2023 began, RRP started the separation process from the original nonprofit, becoming their own 501(c)3 Non-profit organization, and expanding their RJ services.
Our team, including Executive Director Stephen, Director of Community Outreach and Client Relations and RJ Facilitator Brandon, Director of Operations and Infrastructure and RJ Facilitator Shaylie, and Operations Manager Kay Enyart, brings expertise in Equity-Informed Mediation, RJ facilitation, and community building. As we build the RRP name, our goal is to heal and rebuild the community through restorative practices.
In a world quick to judge and isolate, RRP takes a different path. We believe in the power of collective healing and transformation. The harm done to one person resonates throughout the community. Together, we can help these scars heal.
By fostering understanding between harmed parties and responsible parties, we don't just mend individual lives; we rebuild communities. We see beyond mistakes to the roots of conflicts and emerge with solutions that address the present and pave the way for a harmonious future.
RRP is more than resolving conflicts. We're rewriting life stories.
What We Do
At Restorative Roots Project (RRP), we utilize Restorative Justice practices to heal and rebuild communities impacted by harm. Our survivor-centered programs aid rehabilitation and reduce recidivism rates.
Our core program is the Survivor-Centered Alternative to Prison (SAP), established under Oregon Senate Bill 2204 and Senate Bill 586. SAP provides pre-indictment Restorative Justice for eligible cases referred by the Multnomah County District Attorney's office.
SB 2204 directed the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to fund Restorative Justice programs statewide. RRP is proud to be one of the grantees enabling our critical work.
SB 586 upholds confidentiality for participants in Restorative Justice programs like SAP.
Holistic Community-Based Restorative Methods
RRP facilitates various types of sessions to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our services include:
Community Circles
Restorative Conferences
Facilitated Dialogues
Equity-Informed Mediation
Restorative Justice Training
Each program works to heal harms that damage the relationships in the community. By bringing together harmed parties, responsible parties, and community members, we rebuild relationships and restore humanity. Our survivor-centered approach places priority on repairing harm done to harmed parties while reintegrating responsible parties through accountability and growth.