Violent crimes are not committed in a vacuum. They are often born of fractured upbringings—and cultivated by societal injustices. The restoration process gives those who've harmed a chance to consider the pain they’ve caused and make amends. 

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“I went to prison when I was 16 and served a sentence of 31 years. Even though I was there because of my own choices, I wanted to fight to get out. I thought if I talked at all about what I did, I’d ruin my chances. In my mind, it was me against everyone. But when I decided to start the restoration process, it was the first time I ever sat down and could actually think deeply about the pain I’d caused and what led to me doing what I did. 

I had to write it all down for my group, and when I first read them what I wrote, I wore a jacket and gloves because I didn’t even want to touch the paper and come to terms with my actions. I shot and killed 2 people, and I can never change that. My journey won’t ever be done, but I’m at a point now where I want to help make the world a better place…or even just make one person’s life better. I can start there.”

LOUIS
Incarcerated Participant, Now Home