The Michelson 20MM Foundation awarded a Smart Justice Spark Grant to the Healing & Justice Center. The center supports Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) individuals, communities, and organizations by creating safe, healing spaces through tailored programs and services. They also offer advocacy initiatives that promote sustainable healing and justice practices. Through the Spark Grant, they will develop a three-month curriculum for justice-impacted parents, host a pilot program, and analyze its impact.
Innovative Solutions to Break the Cycle of Unhealed Trauma
The Healing & Justice Center is transforming lives by addressing the trauma and systemic barriers faced by individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. “The center recognizes that those who experience trauma as children tend to continue the trauma cycle as adults,” Kenia Miranda Verdugo, Smart Justice Program Manager, reflected. “They’re actively helping parents recognize their triggers, build emotional resilience, and heal their relationships with their children. We’re excited to see the positive effects of healing on multiple generations impacted by the justice system.”
To do so, the center uses innovative trauma-informed programs, such as Parenting Beyond Walls. The program includes a foundational practical workbook, which will soon be digitized. Through it, parents can undergo step-by-step exercises to enhance their grounding techniques, communication skills, resilience, and regulation. As a result, the workbook helps parents continue their healing journey outside of classroom lessons.
In addition to the workbook, the Healing & Justice Center also offers parent support groups. These groups, both in-person and virtual, help parents build a support network as they transition back into their communities and families. As a result, parents have the tools to continue working on their emotional wellness and relationships post-release.
Scaling Compassionate Parenting Throughout California
The Healing & Justice Center hopes to expand to both men’s and women’s correctional facilities across California, using data-driven insights to refine and scale their programs. By addressing cycles of unhealed intergenerational trauma, their work fosters healthier communities, prevents violence, reduces systemic inequities, and supports brighter futures.
Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.
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