Restorative Justice is a perfect example of the power of heart energy. No reform of the criminal justice system in recent memory has done more to recognize the humanity of offenders despite their deeds and to offer them a healing path, as well as to recognize and remedy the harm done to a community by crime.
You have fully immersed yourself in restorative justice and brought to it your unique personal qualities. We have heard not only that your are a member of the board of Restorative Justice Community Action, and of the many face-to-face restorative justice conferences you have participated in--15 in the last year!--, but how your honesty and caring have helped defensive and wary offenders open up to the process. And as an African American male who grew up on the Northside, you are able to provide credibility and practical wisdom to the process. We have even heard how a young restorative justice participant continued to reach out to you for support and guidance long after his case was complete.
In short, you have helped young offenders turn mistakes that could have started a cycle of destructive interactions with the criminal justice system into opportunities for learning and growth.We also know that, like many activists with a big heart, you are involved in many other community activities. You work at Criminals and Gangmembers Anonymous, where you facilitate a 12 step self-help lifestyle recovery group; you work as a resource navigator for the Neighborhood Hub, a non-profit community agency, and you are a founding member of the Northside Rotary Club.
You embody precisely the kind of heart energy which the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. We are honored to learn of your work and to acknowledge you in this small way.
Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members