Restoring Relationships, Building Peace, Strengthening Community

Life Anew Restorative Justice plays a vital role at Community First! Village, bringing the power of restorative practices, conflict resolution, and violence intervention to one of Austin’s most unique communities. As an extension of ATX Peace, our work at Community First! Village focuses on addressing violence, reducing retaliation, and fostering a culture of healing and reconciliation among residents.

 

A Community-Based Restorative Justice Approach

Community First! Village is a supportive housing community designed for individuals transitioning out of chronic homelessness. With this population comes a complex history of trauma, conflict, and systemic challenges that can lead to disputes, cycles of violence, and unresolved tensions. Life Anew is committed to breaking these cycles by providing structured restorative justice processes, mediation, and proactive community-building initiatives.

 

Restorative Circles: The Heart of Healing

Restorative circles are a cornerstone of our work at Community First! Village. These circles provide residents with a space to share their experiences, address conflicts, and build stronger relationships. We facilitate a variety of circles to meet the community’s needs:

• Community-Building Circles – Help foster trust, respect, and open communication among residents, creating a more connected and supportive environment.

• Conflict Resolution Circles – Address interpersonal disputes, misunderstandings, and tensions in a structured, mediated setting that promotes healing and accountability.

• Violence & Retaliation Prevention Circles – Work proactively to de-escalate conflicts before they escalate into violence, providing a safe space for mediation and reconciliation.

 

Violence Prevention & Retaliation Intervention

Life Anew’s presence at Community First! Village is not just reactive—it’s preventative. By actively engaging with residents and understanding community dynamics, we are able to interrupt cycles of violence and prevent retaliatory actions before they occur. We work closely with credible messengers and trusted community members to identify risks, mediate tensions, and offer nonviolent solutions to disputes that could otherwise escalate.

 

Events & Activities: Strengthening the Social Fabric

Beyond conflict resolution, our team facilitates community events and activities that promote unity, belonging, and engagement. These events provide residents with opportunities to connect, build positive relationships, and participate in constructive activities that contribute to a healthier living environment. Events may include:

• Restorative storytelling nights – Where residents share personal journeys and foster understanding.

• Workshops on communication and conflict resolution – Empowering residents with skills to navigate challenges peacefully.

• Community celebrations and gatherings – Bringing people together to cultivate joy, connection, and a sense of ownership in their shared space.

 

An Extension of ATX Peace

As an extension of ATX Peace, Life Anew’s work at Community First! Village bridges the gap between violence prevention, restorative justice, and community healing. By addressing conflicts at the root, we create an environment where safety, accountability, and transformation are possible.

 

Our Commitment to Lasting Change

At Life Anew, we recognize that true community transformation happens through relationships, not just programs. Our approach at Community First! Village is deeply relational, restorative, and long-term—focused on empowering residents, equipping them with tools for conflict resolution, and fostering a culture of peace that extends beyond the Village itself.

Through restorative circles, violence intervention, and community engagement, we are creating a model for how restorative justice can transform not just individuals, but entire communities.

For more information about our work at Community First! Village and how you can get involved, visit [insert website link].

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