Restorative Justice Youth Circles Program
About the Program
Building a restorative community with youth and families
A program partnership between the Dispute Resolution Center, Dynastic Ministries 19 Consulting Firm, & the Washtenaw County Juvenile Court.
The program serves justice effected youth from 12-18 yrs old divided between girls and boys, and each cohort is ten weeks long with a maximum of 15 participants and meet in Ypsilanti. The program is free with food and transportation provided due to generous funders.
The program offers a safe, brave and non-judgmental space where young people can gather in restorative circle dialogues that encourages:
- Redevelopment of self-esteem
- Constructive approaches to communication
- Addresses problems or disagreements without verbal or physical violence
- Community cohesion
How to Enroll:
- Complete parent/guardian permission slip
- Must be 12 years of age or older
- Agree to meet every Saturday (boys' program) or Sunday (girls' program) for 10 weeks from 11 AM - 3 PM.
- Agree to confidentiality
- Agree to uphold respect & dignity in the group learning process.
- Participate in the graduation celebration at the end the program - family and friends invited!
- Lunch and snacks provided
"My son likes the class, he needs some work, I'm so glad you guys are doing this. I'm a single mom and sometimes it's really difficult, so thank you for what you guys are doing."
"My son really liked the class and you guys, I'm sure he would be a peer mentor if you asked him."
"It has helped my son with his self-control and people skills."
"The program made my son more sociable, he's communicating better with me and others. He verbalizes everything now."
To see if your child is eligible for the program,
email: info@thedrcmi.org or call, 734-794-2125
Program Dates:
Boys' Circle Program
- Fall 2026 - Begins Saturday September 5, 2026
- Spring 2027 -
- Summer - 2027 - TBD
Girls' Circle Program
- Fall 2026 - TBD
- Spring 2027 - TBD
- Summer 2027 - TBD
Meet our Program Partners/Coordinators/Facilitators!
Leroy C. Harris - Founder/Executive Director, Dynastic Ministries
After serving 35 yrs, upon re-entry, Leroy founded Dynastic Ministries 19 Consulting Firm LLC. Leroy has an extensive background in Mediation, Conflict Resolution, Ethical Reasoning and Restorative Justice Practices.
Lamar K. Harris - Assistant Executive Director, Dynastic Ministries
Lamar is a Music Producer, Artist, and Life Skills Program Specialist. Being released after serving 25 yrs, Lamar is now a Youth mentor, Life Skills Coach, State Trained Mediator, and Restorative Justice Youth Circle Facilitator.
Thank you to the Washtenaw County New Human Services Partnership and Ann Arbor Area Community foundation for making this program possible!
