MAIN CENTER
Meet Cheryl Graves
Restorative Justice Practitioner and Trainer
Cheryl Graves leads the restorative justice circle trainings and certifications held at PBMR. She practiced criminal law for over 20 years before redirecting her energy into community-based restorative justice. Through restorative justice circles, a practiced originating in indigenous societies, Cheryl works to encourage relational growth and transformation. In this short video, Cheryl Graves explains how restorative justice is not a program or an initiative, but a way of being and relating to each other. This is the foundation of everything we do at PBMR.
You can learn more about Cheryl's work as the Founder of the Community Justice for Youth Initiative at: http://www.cjyi.org/.
Meet Oscar Hernandez
PBMR Education Lab Participant
Oscar Hernandez and his family have been part of the PBMR community for years, participating in family circles and working with Sister Janet in PBMR's Education Lab. The Ed Lab provides one-on-one tutoring opportunities for students looking to obtain their high school diploma or sharpen their reading, writing, and math skills. Earlier this year, Oscar earned his diploma from the Ed Lab, receiving all A's throughout his 3 years of study. See how Oscar’s experience in the Ed Lab has opened doors for him and his whole family, and encouraged him to make plans in higher education.
Panel: Mentor Jonathan Little with Asa, Ra Ra and Ricardo
Case Management and Mentorship
Jonathan Little grew up in Back of the Yards and has worked at PBMR for over ten years. Currently, Jonathan is one many case managers who work closely with youth to help them take practical steps toward more stable and fulfilling lives. Whether it be through goal-setting, career development or fellowship, case managers seek to mentor youth toward becoming the best versions of themselves. Given the unique challenges facing youth growing up on the South Side of Chicago, case managers and mentors act as role models for participants as they navigate the obstacles they face. In this panel, Jonathan sits with a few of the young people PBMR accompanies and discusses how PBMR has helped them in tough times and what they feel their community needs to overcome cycles of violence and poverty.
