Project Kinship
PROGRAMS
Schools
Project Kinship collaborates with 35 school districts across Orange and LA Counties, specializing in restorative practices and violence prevention for students in grades 6 through 12. Our programs are designed to foster inclusive environments where students can safely explore complex emotions and advocate for their academic, social, and emotional needs. We strive to enhance their experiences by offering opportunities for artistic expression, community building, and promoting a sense of pride in their healing through offering incentives such as group meals, extracurricular outings, and Project Kinship apparel. We aim to empower students to thrive and achieve greater success in their educational journey and beyond. Our dedicated staff across these districts serve 30-60 students each, tailoring their efforts to meet the unique needs and potentials of every individual. Through open office sessions and community circles, we provide students with a supportive space to discuss their challenges, celebrate their successes, and feel cared for. Together, we work towards creating a safer and more nurturing environment where students can grow and flourish.
Project Kinship has been able to greatly impact the lives of many students. Oftentimes, our staff can’t even walk through a campus without being stopped at every turn for high fives and hugs! At the end of the 2024-2025 school year students surveyed reported the following:
- 96% of youth reported their check-ins with their Restorative Practice Interventionists (RPIS) were helpful to them throughout the school year.
- Several students said their RPIS help with their “problems” and “personal growth, and attendance”
- Graduating youth who have a long-standing history of working with Project Kinship RPIS are exploring college (22%), enrolled in college (31%), or have secured employment (30%).
- 61% report improved behavior since meeting with Project Kinship.
- 55% report improved communication
- 43% report improved grades
- 73% report improved motivation and mental health
- 40% report improved sense of hope for the future
- 38% report improved ability to manage feelings of anger
- 79% reported improved use of positive coping strategies and better decision-making skills.
- 58% reported decrease in conflicts and an improvement in their relationships.
Justice Impacted Youth
In a system that often defines youth by their past, Project Kinship works to transform that narrative by offering restorative wraparound support to justice-impacted youth. With the support of the county, our team of 10 staff facilitates 16 healing circles each week across every unit in Juvenile Hall. These consistent, trauma-informed spaces help youth develop emotional literacy, reduce aggressive behavior, and prepare for a successful return to school and community life. We walk alongside them as they begin to believe in their potential, shifting internal dialogue from “I can’t” to “I deserve a second chance.” Despite this progress, we face ongoing challenges in meeting basic needs that support participation and healing. Reliable transportation is critical for youth to access groups and community outings that build life skills. Safe meeting spaces provide a refuge from instability, allowing youth to simply exist, breathe, and grow. And meaningful incentives—like new clothes or earned outings—help youth feel seen and valued. These small investments go a long way in reinforcing hope, dignity, and the belief that a better future is possible.
Through Project Kinship’s consistent efforts of holding 16 groups per week in juvenile hall, we have supported many youth in their journey to transform their lives. Our restorative circles have created sacred, safe spaces for youth to strengthen their emotional literacy. Emotional literacy has helped youth to recognize and reduce aggressive behaviors, therefore reducing the number of altercations while in custody. Restorative circles, as well as prosocial engagements to places such as Homeboy Industries or SeaWorld, give youth the opportunity to build skills and relationships to help them achieve their goals once they re-enter society. Beyond this internal skill building, Project Kinship also encourages less recidivism by reducing system barriers that are often faced by incarcerated youth. Barriers may include homelessness, lack of parental support, or low-income. Perhaps most importantly, Project Kinship allows youth to recognize the value and the worth they hold as individuals. By promoting healing during restorative circles, youth can recognize their full potential. Project Kinship provides earned incentives like college sweatshirts so students can visualize themselves attending college. They can experience the joys of being young by laughing with new friends at a restaurant or attending a theme park for the very first time. "
Kinship Youth Center
The Kinship Youth Center offers comprehensive drop-in after-school programming five days a week, providing youth with a consistent and supportive environment during the critical after-school hours. In addition to weekday programming, the center hosts bi-monthly Saturday outings and field trips, giving youth the chance to explore new environments, build social connections, and engage in enriching experiences beyond their immediate surroundings. These activities foster growth, resilience, and positive peer relationships. At its core, the Kinship Youth Center is a safe, welcoming, and community-rooted space where youth feel seen, valued, and empowered. Guided by community voice and culturally responsive practices, the center prioritizes leadership development, life skills workshops, academic and emotional support, and access to vital resources. By meeting youth where they are and walking alongside them, we help them navigate life’s challenges, disrupt cycles of disadvantage, and begin building pathways toward stability, opportunity, and long-term change.
Through consistent attendance and active participation, the Kinship Center’s programs and activities are designed to promote youth development and leadership, with a strong emphasis on prevention and intervention for at-risk youth in the community. After-school programming plays a central role in preparing youth for higher education and supporting academic achievement. It is anticipated that 80% of youth enrolled at the Kinship Center will obtain or maintain placement in an educational or vocational program within three months of enrollment. Additionally, enrolled youth are expected to avoid incarceration or recidivism for at least one year following their initial intake. Each participant will work toward and achieve at least two-thirds of the individualized goals developed in collaboration with the Wellness Coordinator. Within six months, youth will also take on peer leadership roles as Circle-Keepers, facilitators of restorative group practices. All participants are expected to maintain at least 80% attendance across all Kinship Center, educational, and vocational programming. The core mission of the Kinship Center is to offer a safe, supportive space where youth can engage in social activities, explore their identities and interests, access meaningful opportunities, and be seen, heard, and empowered.
CONTACT
Project Kinship
1833 E. 17th Street
Santa Ana, California 92705