DETROIT RISING

IIRP 2023 In-person World Conference

This year’s conference was centered around what it takes to create thriving communities with a focus on three key areas...Family Matters, Collaboration Matters, and Faith Matters.

IIRP Convention Orientation and Reception October 1, 2023
IIRP Conference Tuesday Session October 3, 2023
IIRP Conference Wednesday Closing Session October 4, 2023

DETROIT RISING: How the Motor City Becomes a Restorative City

There’s the Detroit story you know and the one you don’t. For decades, the predominant story we’ve heard about Detroit is one of violence, crime, unemployment, and urban blight. But there’s more than meets the Eight-Mile. Restorative Practices Pioneer Ted Wachtel, recruits Kerra Bolton, a disillusioned ex-pat writer to document black-led, grassroots efforts in Detroit to restore relationships, repair harm, and build social capital through restorative practices. Join Kerra as she explores the impact of restorative practices in Detroit’s classrooms, courts, and executive boardrooms and views Detroit through the lens of a man whose family tragedy led to his vision of Detroit as a restorative city.

Episode #1 Detroit Rising series: There’s the Detroit story you know and the one you don’t. For decades, the predominant story we’ve heard about Detroit is one of violence, crime, unemployment, and urban blight. But there’s more than meets the Eight-Mile.

Detroit Rising- How the Motor City Becomes a Restorative City


Episode #2 Detroit Rising series: Spit on both sides of the customer services window in Detroit’s Third Circuit Court indicated broken relationships between court employees and the people they serve. Using a restorative check-in circle, court staff are finding the professional and personal support to help residents who they often see on their worst day.

And Justice for All- Detroit’s Frontline Court Workers Find Solace in Circles


Episode #3 Detroit Rising series: Two weeks before the start of a new school year, Hope Academy, a public charter school in Detroit, grapples with the challenge of sustaining a restorative practices culture amidst staff changes, student expectations, and community involvement.

Building a Heart-Centered School in the Real World


Episode #4 Detroit Rising series: Students often feel like a cog in the wheel of their own education. Rhonda Calloway, an educator at Hope Academy, demonstrates how creating authentic relationships with students through restorative practices circles is critical to academic achievement and youth empowerment.

Instilling Hope: Putting Children First


Episode #5 Detroit Rising series: Alice Thompson, a Detroit nonprofit leader, demonstrates how to be a servant leader during times of business transition.

Leading with a Restorative Heart – A Servant Leader Gets Down to Business


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Our Offices

  • Administrative Office

    2995 E. Grand Blvd
    Detroit, MI 48202
    Phone: 313-758-0150
  • Samaritan Center

    5555 Conner Ave. Ste 1038
    Detroit, MI 48213
    Phone: 313-308-0255

    If it is after business hours, and you need to reach your Case Manager, please call BFDI’s “After Hours” phone number at (313) 330-2849.
  • In School Collaborative Partners

    Brenda Scott Academy
    Ecorse High School
    George Washington Carver
    Grandport Elementary Academy
    Hope Academy
    New Paradigm - University Yes Academy
    Osborn High School
    Ralph J. Bunche Academy
    Ronald Brown Academy
    Schulze Academy for Technology and Arts
    University Prep Art & Design: Middle High School
    University Prep Art and Design: Elementary School

Business Hours

Our hours of operation:
24/7 Availability

Monday-Friday: 9am to 5pm
Weekends: Community Meetings

On Call Mobile Health Team : 1-844-SEE-HOPE


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