Who We AreNorthern Arizona Restorative Justice, founded in 2005, is a regional organization. Through our commitment to positive outcomes we foster lasting change, community engagement and connectivity.
Providing leadership in Northern Arizona we use successful established principles that offer all key stakeholders an opportunity to repair the harm suffered as a result of an offense and create a social contract to build a harmonious community and strengthen the social fabric of the community. |
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When victims, offenders and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational. The focus is on making amends, restoring a sense of community and working to not let the harm happen again. |
Our History
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Northern Arizona Restorative Justice (NARJ), founded in 2005 by Lana Leonard, is the Verde Valley’s first and only community-based provider of restorative justice services. Inspired by Leonard’s years of experience leading restorative justice programs in Loveland, Colorado, NARJ was launched under the umbrella of Cornucopia Community Advocates to deliver high-impact, evidence-based interventions for juvenile offenders, their families, and victims.
Initially launched under the Cornucopia Community Advocates umbrella, Northern Arizona Restorative Justice (NARJ) quickly distinguished itself as the Verde Valley’s first—and still only—community-based initiative specializing in restorative practices and interventions for juvenile offenders, their families, and victims. Beginning in the Sedona-Oak Creek School District, the program expanded to Cottonwood in 2007 and to the greater Verde Valley by 2008, with the late Dee Zenk serving as Restorative Justice Coordinator. Under Zenk’s leadership and health education expertise, NARJ broadened its scope and deepened school, jail, detention, and community engagement. Throughout its growth, the organization has remained firmly committed to evidence-based, best-practice methodologies at the heart of its mission. Over the past two decades, NARJ has earned a strong reputation for its innovative model, which blends responsive and proactive approaches—addressing harm while actively cultivating community healing, accountability, and connection. Today, NARJ remains a vital force in building safer, healthier communities across Northern Arizona. In 2023, it was recognized as a “Rising Star” nonprofit by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County, a testament to its lasting impact and expanding reach through robust community partnerships and dedicated support. |
