Another client, had 2o- years behind bars in his first 50 years of life. He could've gotten his 3rd strike, if he violated his parole. He had cost society almost a million dollars, just in direct costs. Read more...

“I had no way to understand anything other than rebellion, anger and abuse.  I was raised in foster homes from the age of four.  I dealt with so much violence, I didn’t know there was any other way – until I read a book on restorative justice.  I was determined to find out how that could work.  And so I brought the book to the Coalition.

They started listening to me, mentoring me, and I have changed my entire worldview about how things work!  I got my drivers license at age 50, started doing various kinds of therapy and work…and I am working toward having my own home.

While it is not easy to live with my past habits, I am rebuilding my life.  I no longer believe that life in prison is inevitable. Instead, I am building a future that I am very proud of, and that works for ME!“

GRANDMOTHER - NO PRIOR HISTORY OF INCARCERATION

“I was a professional under deep stress, and due to many business pressures an the betrayal of a family member, I ended up emotionally depressed and I was self-medicating.  As a result I ended up in the system with a DUI for marijuana…and that started a nightmare of dealing with the justice system.  I had no prior experience, and the trauma and deep emotional distress caused my mental health to deteriorate dramatically.  With the mentoring I received, I have been able to reclaim my dignity, restore my world…I am forever grateful.”