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 Story
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Northern Arizona Restorative Justice (NARJ) was founded in 2005 with a simple but powerful belief: when people are given the opportunity to repair harm, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with one another, individuals and communities thrive.
Founded by Lana Leonard, whose experience leading restorative justice programs in Loveland, Colorado, inspired the organization's creation, NARJ began as the Verde Valley's first community-based restorative justice program serving youth, families, and those impacted by harm. What started as a local initiative has grown into a regional leader advancing restorative practices throughout Northern Arizona. Over the past two decades, NARJ has expanded from its early partnerships with local schools to serving communities across the region through youth diversion programs, restorative circles, community dialogue, professional training, and organizational consulting. Along the way, the organization has remained deeply committed to evidence-based restorative practices that foster accountability, healing, belonging, and lasting change. Today, NARJ works with schools, justice partners, nonprofits, businesses, and community organizations to transform the way conflict and harm are addressed. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, restorative practices create opportunities for people to be heard, take responsibility, repair relationships, and strengthen the communities in which they live and work. This work creates a ripple effect. Every restored relationship strengthens a family. Every empowered young person contributes to a healthier community. Every organization that embraces restorative practices helps create workplaces and neighborhoods where connection, accountability, and belonging can flourish. More than twenty years after its founding, NARJ continues to be recognized as a trusted leader in restorative practices. In 2023, the organization was honored as a Rising Star Nonprofit by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County—recognition of its growing impact, collaborative partnerships, and enduring commitment to building safer, healthier, and more connected communities across Northern Arizona. |
