Community
One way we practice having a holistic approach to our work is never leaving out the joyful new experiences of returning home.
At NMT, we are a family. We are always finding creative ways to remind our Returned Citizens they are not alone. Commitment to being there for each other through the highs and the lows is critical to practicing our mission.
Belonging and joy are human rights inside and outside prison walls. Whenever we can, we make sure to celebrate our NMT family working hard on the inside though Graduation and Appreciation Ceremonies or film screenings. On the outside, we get the pleasure of holding Community Healing Circles and NMT Fam Outings with Returned Citizens as regular parts of our programming.
Community Healing Circles
Returned Citizens, youth— all community members are invited to join our restorative practice community healing circles, which bring former perpetrators together with survivors to face the impact of violence and crime in our lives.
Our premise is that everyone in the circle has been a victim of harm, and everyone has been a perpetrator of harm to some degree. We believe when people get together for restorative dialogue, transformative healing results.
These circles are unique because they provide a reciprocal process that allows each individual to share their story of pain, loss, and triumphs. We also emphasize providing a support system to grieving family members.
This program not only focuses on emotional healing for participants, it also allows us to explore physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual wellbeing as all facets of our wellbeing are interconnected.
We currently have in-person Healing Circles twice monthly in Oakland, CA, near Lake Merritt for community members and Returned Citizens. If you are interested, please contact us at nomoretearssq@gmail.com
NMT Fam Outings
From sharing meals to trying new experiences and activities, An NMT Fam Outing is a time to connect, enjoy life and each other company. These spaces are often intergenerational, bringing together our youth, staff, volunteers, and Returned Citizens to learn from each other and strengthen what it means to care for each other.
