Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health Center: Native Parent Connection Program

The YWCA in Madison used its grant to support healing for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and marginalized youth who experienced trauma due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This project focused on continuing, expanding and evaluating the YWCA Madison’s restorative justice programming in Dane County to support youth impacted by the social and emotional effects of the pandemic. Through school and community-based partnerships, the initiative created healing-centered spaces that affirm identity and rebuild relationships. At the heart of the project were restorative justice circles, which were facilitated dialogues rooted in Indigenous practices that bring people together to build community, address harm and promote accountability without punishment. Youth were trained as Circle Keepers, leading peers in these practices and developing skills in deep listening. The project also offered alternatives to municipal court involvement by referring youth to restorative circles instead of punitive systems. Over two years, the project engaged more than 1,000 young people and 100 adults across schools, courts and community centers in restorative justice processes and training.