Reflecting, Restoring, and Reimagining: Entering 2026 Strong at the Hub
- The H.U.B. Team
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
December 2025 was more than just the final month of the year for the Restorative and Transformative Justice Hub; it was a powerful milestone moment. As we closed out the year, we proudly celebrated our one-year anniversary, marking twelve months of deep relationship-building, youth-centered programming, and transformative community impact.
What began as a vision rooted in restoration, accountability, and healing has grown into a vibrant space where young people are seen, supported, and empowered. This anniversary reminded us not only how far we’ve come, but also what’s possible when community leads with intention and care.
A Month of Meaningful and Festive Connection
True to the spirit of the season, December was filled with joy, creativity, and connection. We hosted a holiday-inspired Spirit Week, bringing staff and youth together through moments that were both fun and grounding. From a lively cookie swap and cozy hot cocoa bar to our much-loved Pajama Jam, each activity created space for laughter, belonging, and shared experience and we have TikTok and IG to prove it!
One of the month’s standout highlights was our Gingerbread House Competition, hosted in collaboration with the Trenton Police Department. This event marked a meaningful milestone in our ongoing efforts to build more restorative, trust-centered relationships between youth and law enforcement. Through creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition, we saw firsthand how shared experiences can open doors to dialogue, understanding, and healing.
Restorative Voice in Community Conversations
We were honored to lend our restorative perspective to local discourse on community safety and healing in the Trenton Journal article “After Beakes Street assault, Trenton grapples with violence, vices, and who owns the block.” In that piece, our Director shared how restorative practices focus on understanding root causes of harm and fostering dialogue among impacted community members, a contrast to responses that rely solely on punishment and exclusion. Trenton Journal
Community Partnership That Made the Holidays Bright
We are deeply grateful to our partners at the DCF Office of Monitoring, whose generosity ensured that every young person connected to the Hub received a holiday gift. Their support helped make the season brighter and reinforced a core truth of our work: when community partners show up with intention, our youth feel valued and remembered.
Rest, Renewal, and What’s Next
In alignment with our restorative values, the Hub intentionally took a training pause in December, allowing space for rest, reflection, and renewal for both staff and partners. That pause has positioned us to return grounded, energized, and ready to deepen our impact in the new year.
As we kick off 2026, we are excited to share that our January and February Restorative Justice training dates are now open for registration. These trainings are designed for educators, community partners, service providers, leaders, and anyone committed to building more equitable, healing-centered spaces. We look forward to learning, practicing, and growing together.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Is Full of Promise
The new year brings fresh opportunities and familiar favorites. We’re bringing back several beloved programs while also rolling out new youth-led opportunities, including our Youth Book Club, which centers voice, reflection, and collective learning.
We’re also preparing for our Second Annual Peace Week, held during the week of the MLK holiday, where we will once again honor Dr. King’s legacy through restorative practices, youth leadership, and community dialogue. And this is just the beginning; there is so much more ahead.
Thank You for Being Part of the Journey
None of this would be possible without our youth, families, partners, and supporters who continue to believe in the power of restoration and transformation. As we reflect on December and step boldly into 2026, we remain committed to creating spaces where accountability meets compassion, and where healing leads the way.
Here’s to a powerful year ahead, together.
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