The Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health at Walsh University, in collaboration with the Simply Youth program in Stark County, has received a $9,000 grant from the Stark County Social Justice Consortium/Stark County Community Action Agency. This funding supports the Impact Institute-Restorative Connections Project, led by Dr. Michelle Bemiller, Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice and Director of the Center for Restorative Justice and Community Health at Walsh University. The program will run through July, targeting youth aged 13 to 15 who reside in the City of Canton.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous support, which will enable us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in our community,” said Dr. Bemiller. “This program will equip participants with essential skills for fostering positive relationships and resolving conflicts constructively.”

The project aims to promote restorative practices among youth in Canton through an intensive summer program that includes comprehensive workshops and activities focused on conflict resolution and community building. Project activities are led by Impact Leaders Teo Nenes, Riley Bemiller-Kelley, Reham Alomari, and Eric Toalston. These trained facilitators work with students to empower them to make good choices, respect all people, and become school leaders.