Bridging Communities: CCD’s Visit to Camden, NJ for a Human Justice Exchange
Community Capacity Development (CCD) recently embarked on a transformative journey to Camden, NJ, bringing our Human Justice model to the Restorative & Transformative Justice HUB. The visit marked the beginning of a dynamic collaboration aimed at fostering community empowerment and deepening our shared commitment to restorative and transformative practices.
Our team was warmly welcomed by Ashley Leary, MSW, the Director of the Restorative & Transformative Justice HUB. Ashley provided an insightful tour of Camden, giving us a glimpse into the vibrant community and the impactful work being done on the ground. We were introduced to her dedicated team and had the privilege of meeting the inspiring youth of Camden, who are at the heart of the city’s efforts towards justice and healing.
The CCD team shared our vision and methodologies through a presentation that highlighted the importance of human justice in creating equitable and supportive communities. Our Youth Builders, Kenzo and Curt, took the stage to share their powerful stories of empowerment, offering personal insights into their journeys of growth and leadership. Their testimonies underscored the potential of youth-driven initiatives to create lasting change and inspire others within the community.
The event was more than just a meeting; it was a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies between CCD and the Restorative & Transformative Justice HUB. We embarked on a comprehensive exploration of community empowerment, beginning with a community site visit that set the tone for a day of learning and collaboration. This was followed by a workshop where participants engaged in discussions around restorative practices and transformative justice, examining how these approaches can be integrated into community efforts to create meaningful change.
Strategic planning sessions were a key part of the day, allowing us to delve into the critical intersections of peer support, restorative practices, and transformative justice. These sessions provided a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and brainstorming innovative solutions that could be implemented in both Camden and beyond.
The day concluded with a focused debrief session, where we reflected on the outcomes of the visit and discussed the potential for future partnerships and collaborations. There was a strong sense of optimism and determination as both teams expressed their commitment to continuing this important work together. We left Camden with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to the community, looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
This visit was a testament to the power of collaboration and the shared vision of creating safer, more just communities. As we continue to build on this partnership, we remain dedicated to fostering environments where restorative and transformative practices can thrive, empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential.
