Community Works West: Justice Demands Humanity (GOF)

Your Support Fuels Healing and Justice Our justice system is broken. Punitive tactics trap low-income people and people of color, especially young people, in endless cycles of harm. But there's a better way. Community Works (CW) is here to radically reduce incarceration and heal the deep wounds it leaves behind. We put the power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people most affected. Our system-impacted staff and youth are leading the shift toward genuine community-based healing and repair. As we look back on 2025 , we're reminded of the incredible generosity that fuels our mission. You are more than a supporter; you are the lifeblood of Community Works , and your compassion has driven every achievement we celebrate this year. In a year of significant shifts in the funding landscape, with traditional government and foundation grants becoming increasingly unpredictable, the support of individual donors like you will provide an unwavering foundation. We've faced these new challenges head-on, knowing we can rely on our community to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors. It is because of you that we can continue our vital work. This holiday season is a critical moment. We need your help to hit our urgent goal of $100,000 by December 31st . Your gift supports our staff and secures our core programs—restorative justice, mental wellness, and arts-based practices —so we can keep serving our community in the new year. Our Unconventional Impact: Healing from the Inside Out We don't just talk about change; we are the change. CW pioneers restorative justice as a powerful alternative to punitive systems. What makes us different? We center lived experience . Over 75% of our staff are system-impacted , and 40% are formerly incarcerated .  In 2024-2025, we helped us serve 1,811 people with life-changing results: Restorative Reentry: We supported 75 people in securing life-stabilizing housing, education, and employment. Imagine the impact: people moving into permanent supportive housing and getting jobs as youth mentors and community health workers —becoming healers in their own right. Survivor Safety: Our Survivor Empowerment Program/ Survivor Restoration Program(SEP/SRP) served 911 people , helping survivors reclaim their lives. This means mothers regained full legal custody of their children and survivors successfully secured restraining orders against abusers.  Youth Transformation: Our Restorative Justice Diversion (RJD) program facilitated genuine accountability for 36 youth . For example, young people involved in serious incidents like car theft fully owned their actions, completed their restorative plans, and demonstrated a profound, positive shift in behavior. That's real change. Invest in Systemic Repair: A Gift for Generations This is an investment , not a donation, focused on systemic repair—proactively changing the deep-seated systems that create disadvantage. The result is health equity: ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. Learn More about Restorative Justice