Legacy Builders
Community Intervention
Legacy Builders is an innovative, culturally responsive youth development program that positively impacts young men of color in Worcester, aged 17-30, who have been involved in the criminal justice system or have gang affiliations. This population is often disconnected from school-based services and ineligible for adult programs due to age or criminal background, leaving them without crucial support.
Through mentorship, life coaching, and structured activities, Legacy Builders provides participants with the skills, opportunities, and support networks needed to create positive life changes. The program aims to ensure that at least 50% of their time is structured, reducing idle time that can lead to negative behaviors.
We Are a Community
Crisis Response Team
The Youth Crisis Response Team (CRT) builds trust and relationships within neighborhoods impacted by violence, providing support to young men aged 17-25 in Worcester. When prevention and intervention strategies fail, the CRT steps in to de-escalate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence.
CRT works in partnership with the Worcester Police Department (WPD) and community organizations to ensure a rapid, coordinated response to incidents of gun and knife violence. CRT also proactively engages high-crime neighborhoods through:
- Summer Cookout Series – Monthly community cookouts hosted by CRT and LL staff to foster relationships and build awareness.
- Stop the Bleed Trainings: – Quarterly training to teach individuals how to respond quickly and effectively to life-threatening bleeding emergencies.
We Are a brotherhood
Restorative Justice Circles
Restorative Justice Circles (RJ) provide a safe space for group mentoring, healing, and conflict resolution for participants. Legendary Legacies partners with community organizations and community members to facilitate restorative justice circles and debriefing sessions.
These circles focus on accountability, emotional processing, and rebuilding relationships, with the goal of improving students’ mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. By engaging young people in constructive dialogue rather than punitive measures, RJ Circles offer a proactive approach to school safety and student success.
We Are legendary
FAQ
Questions & Answers
What is Legacy Builders?
Legacy Builders is an innovative, culturally responsive youth development program that positively impacts young men of color in Worcester, aged 17-30, who have been involved in the criminal justice system or have gang affiliations. Through mentorship, life coaching, and structured activities, Legacy Builders provides participants with the skills, opportunities, and support networks needed to create positive life changes.
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What are Restorative Justice Circles?
Restorative Justice Circles (RJC) are structured, community-based spaces where individuals come together to build relationships, address harm, and promote healing. Rooted in indigenous Circle Keeping practices, these circles provide a safe and intentional space for open dialogue, accountability, and conflict resolution.
How are Restorative Justice Circles different from traditional disciplinary approaches?
Unlike punitive approaches that focus on punishment, Restorative Justice Circles prioritize healing, accountability, and community building. Rather than simply punishing an individual for wrongdoing, RJCs focus on addressing the root causes of harm, giving all parties involved the opportunity to share their perspectives, and working together toward a meaningful resolution.
Who participates in a Restorative Justice Circle?
Each circle may include:
- The person who caused harm
- The person or people who were impacted
- Trained facilitators (Circle Keepers)
- Community members, mentors, or other stakeholders invested in the process
Is this just an activity, or is it something more?
Restorative Justice Circles are not just an activity—they are a way of living. At Legendary Legacies, we take this work seriously. RJCs are about building and maintaining a healthy community where accountability, trust, and healing are prioritized.
How do Restorative Justice Circles help participants?
RJCs help individuals:
- Take responsibility for their actions in a supportive, non-punitive environment
- Develop empathy and understanding for those impacted
- Learn conflict resolution and communication skills
- Strengthen their connection to the community
- Work toward personal growth and transformation
How do Restorative Justice Circles connect to Legendary Legacies' mission?
At Legendary Legacies, we believe that true transformation happens through relationships. Restorative Justice Circles align with our mission by providing an alternative to punitive justice, reducing recidivism, and fostering community accountability. This practice empowers participants to break cycles of harm and actively contribute to a stronger, more connected community.
Does Legendary Legacies offer training in Restorative Justice Circles?
Yes! We provide training for community organizations and individuals interested in learning how to facilitate RJCs and implement nonviolent conflict resolution practices. Our goal is to expand this transformative approach throughout Worcester and beyond.
How can I get involved or support this work?
You can support Restorative Justice Circles by:
✔ Attending a training or learning session
✔ Partnering with us to bring RJCs into your organization or community
✔ Donating to support our ongoing restorative justice efforts