About Us
Mission Statement
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) is a pastoral ministry of restorative justice that strives to heal broken relationships with those who are incarcerated and their families as well as victims of crime and their families through prayer, education, and advocacy. JRJI mobilizes constituencies to advocate for transformation of the justice system to become more restorative than punitive.
A word from Fr. Michael Kennedy, SJ:
So often our society wants simply to punish the perpetrator of a crime in the pursuit of vengeance and retribution. However, punishment on its own fails to address the need for healing, which benefits not only those involved in a crime, but the whole community that is also hurting.
Furthermore, punishment on its own fails to recognize that the offender is also a victim and that we are all part of the solution. As a Jesuit psychologist in Germany recently reminded me: “the healing process is not easy; it’s easier to hold on to hate, to live with hate, and to be fueled by hate, but in reality...the only way to survive is to forgive.”
JRJI was established in 2009 to provide some balance to this punitive and legalistic approach and offer healing and hope of forgiveness to those who are affected by violence and crime in our society. Through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius Loyola we provide a tool where people can start to find healing and forgiveness, and recognize that life has meaning and hope beyond the pain.
Your support in this Initiative, either through prayer or a financial contribution, will enable us to continue this Jesuit work and help restore hope to those who are searching for direction. This work depends on the generosity and prayers of friends, who share this common goal. If you wish to volunteer or give a donation, I invite you to share in the mission of healing and forgiveness for those who are incarcerated, their families, and the victims of crime.
In Jesus the Risen Prisoner,
Rev. Michael E. Kennedy, S.J.
Executive Director
We are grateful for your prayers and support. Please pray for the work of Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative as we walk with and bring healing to those who are incarcerated, their families, and their communities. Your financial support is also greatly appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
Services
Our work is in three major areas: juvenile halls, prisons, and community outreach.
Our primary work is with young offenders housed in juvenile halls and detention centers who are facing life sentences. Here we offer support through meditation classes, book study groups, accompaniment, and advocacy. It is our belief that young people have the capability of transforming their lives and should be given every opportunity to make a positive contribution to society. For this reason, we are working with other organizations and agencies to give our youth a second chance.
“Even though I got a life sentence, I'm not going to give up and lose faith. I finally realized I was only hurting myself and others, They said I'll gangbang forever...but now I'm a warrior of light.” --Eric, a juvenile sentenced to 255 years and 8 months.
We also offer Ignatian retreats, spiritual direction, and faith formation to those serving life sentences in prisons around California where we invite the individuals to become members of “Jesus the Risen Prisoner” community.
“The experience of that spiritual retreat left me feeling God in my heart, and it moved me to be a priestly person.... God has given me new life with purpose.” --John, a third striker prisoner serving 25 years to life and a leader of the community of Jesus the Risen Prisoner inside Corcoran State Prison.
This work with the incarcerated leads to a continued involvement with the individuals and their families and support groups. It is also our desire to work with the families of victims so that healing and restoration can take place in our community.
“I very often use your weekly reflection and meditation. The writings from inmates are especially touching, thought-provoking, and resonate with the kids at juvenile hall....”--Nancy, a chaplain at juvenile hall in San Mateo County, California.
We provide advocacy as well as educational and prayer resources including a weekly Sunday liturgy guide for prison chaplains and those interested in prison ministry.
Our primary work is with young offenders housed in juvenile halls and detention centers who are facing life sentences. Here we offer support through meditation classes, book study groups, accompaniment, and advocacy. It is our belief that young people have the capability of transforming their lives and should be given every opportunity to make a positive contribution to society. For this reason, we are working with other organizations and agencies to give our youth a second chance.
“Even though I got a life sentence, I'm not going to give up and lose faith. I finally realized I was only hurting myself and others, They said I'll gangbang forever...but now I'm a warrior of light.” --Eric, a juvenile sentenced to 255 years and 8 months.
We also offer Ignatian retreats, spiritual direction, and faith formation to those serving life sentences in prisons around California where we invite the individuals to become members of “Jesus the Risen Prisoner” community.
“The experience of that spiritual retreat left me feeling God in my heart, and it moved me to be a priestly person.... God has given me new life with purpose.” --John, a third striker prisoner serving 25 years to life and a leader of the community of Jesus the Risen Prisoner inside Corcoran State Prison.
This work with the incarcerated leads to a continued involvement with the individuals and their families and support groups. It is also our desire to work with the families of victims so that healing and restoration can take place in our community.
“I very often use your weekly reflection and meditation. The writings from inmates are especially touching, thought-provoking, and resonate with the kids at juvenile hall....”--Nancy, a chaplain at juvenile hall in San Mateo County, California.
We provide advocacy as well as educational and prayer resources including a weekly Sunday liturgy guide for prison chaplains and those interested in prison ministry.
The JRJI Team
Michael Kennedy, SJ
From 1994 to 2007, Fr. Mike was pastor at Dolores Mission in Los Angeles, where he developed a passion for working with the poor and marginalized and met countless families whose lives were being torn apart by gang violence and crime. Returning from the General Congregation of the Society of Jesus in 2007, Fr. Mike decided to found Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative and work with people whose lives have been effected by violence and crime. As the Executive Director of this Jesuit Initiative, Fr. Mike gives talks throughout California and the United States on his method of Ignatian meditation. He has been recognized recently for his work by the California Chief of Probation Officers and the City of Los Angeles for the work he is doing to transform the lives of incarcerated youth, their families, and communities.
Arturo Lopez
Arturo Lopez was born in El Salvador and has worked with youth both in El Salvador and the United States. After arriving here in 1983, Arturo also worked with the immigrant and refugee communities from Central America and Mexico at Our Lady Queen of Angels in La Placita, Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, and Dolores Mission in East Los Angeles. He has facilitated Christian Base Communities using the meditation method of St. Ignatius and organized the community in addressing social challenges. Arturo Lopez currently serves as co-chaplain at juvenile hall in Sylmar and as a member of the team of Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative (JRJI) provides Ignatian retreats to prisoners throughout California.
James Anderson
James Anderson was born and raised in the Los Angeles County. After facing more than 30 years in prison, James went through an amazing transformation and made a commitment to dedicate his life to helping others. He brings this ambition to Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative, where he assists Fr. Michael Kennedy and the team in outreach to juveniles and prisoners throughout California. He is deeply involved in policy work and is working hard to counter act the revolving door of recidivism in California by creating a program that will give fallen youth newfound hope. James is also a full time college student majoring in Business Administration.
Jonni Alcantara
Jonni Alcantara was born and raised in some of the worse neighborhoods in Los Angeles. He has lived in Koreatown, South Central, Watts, East Los Angeles, and Lincoln Heights. After facing life without the possibility of parole for two years in the Barry J. Nidorf high risk offenders' detention compound, he was released and developed a passion and interest in juvenile justice. He brings this passion to Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative where he assists Fr. Michael Kennedy and the team in outreach to juveniles and prisoners throughout California. Jonni is also a full time college student majoring in Business with a focus in accounting.
Ambar Lopez
Ambar Lopez was born and raised in Los Angeles. While she was a member of the Dolores Mission Church in East Los Angeles, she worked at the after-school program and gained experience mentoring and working with at-risk youth. Ambar is currently an undergraduate Psychology student at California State University, Northridge and works part-time with Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative.
Jesuit Restorative Justice Initiative
8501 Washington Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 559-0777 | Fax: (310) 815-9758 | Email. jrjinitiative@gmail.com
8501 Washington Boulevard | Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 559-0777 | Fax: (310) 815-9758 | Email. jrjinitiative@gmail.com