The nation's first multi-jurisdictional community court, the Justice Center seeks to solve neighborhood problems in southwest Brooklyn.
The tools at the judge’s disposal include community restitution projects, short-term psycho-educational groups, and long-term treatment. Beyond the courtroom, the Justice Center offers an array of unconventional programs that work to improve both public safety and trust in justice. An independent evaluation found the Justice Center significantly reduced recidivism and the number of people receiving jail sentences while enhancing public confidence in government.
Our department provides trauma-informed approaches to advocacy, case management and counseling. We work with those who have experienced harm and those who have engaged in harm, to contribute to a healthy, resilient, thriving community. We aim to interrupt cycles of violence and increase community safety by connecting people with the resources they need and want, creating safe spaces for healing.
The Red Hook MAP Program aims to enhance safety and overall quality of life by strengthening collaboration and capacity among public housing residents in Red Hook. Through a participatory budgeting process during Local NeighborhoodSTAT, residents are able to vote on how they would like to reallocate $30K-$50K back into their neighborhood. The Red Hook NeighborhoodSTAT Team works to fill in the gap and provide solutions for residents by residents.
The Housing Resource Center helps New York residents preserve safe and affordable housing, offering daily walk-in support for repairs, rental arrears, legal referrals, housing applications, public benefits, and housing court assistance.
Peacemaking is a community-based practice rooted in indigenous traditions of facilitation. It provides a platform for those involved in conflicts to engage in meaningful dialogue about what happened and collaboratively envision resolutions. The goal is to foster equitable and peaceful outcomes in courts, communities, and personal relationships. At the Red Hook Community Justice Center, the Peacemaking Program extends its impact through court collaborations and school-based initiatives. Community members can also participate in the Peacemaking training program, gaining skills in conflict resolution and dialogue facilitation.
The Office of Youth and Community Initiatives is dedicated to empowering youth, young adults to build pathways to success with an emphasis on economic mobility, career exploration and fostering resilient futures. Youth Initiatives engages young people with a range of paid programming opportunities that foster leadership skills, career exploration and community engagement. The paid programming opportunities offers hands-on experiences, mentoring and exposure to new environments, helping youth build confidence and prepare for future success. Programs include Youth Impact, JustArts: Photography Program, JustWorks Employment Opportunities and High School Equivalency classes. Other partnerships include AmeriCorps, Level Up NYC, and Progress Playbook; programming offered by the YCI Office empowers community members to take control of their lives and is exposed to the opportunities needed to succeed and avoid justice involvement. It strengthens families and therefore communities as well.
