Healing Justice Project

The Healing Justice Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, with an EIN of 47-3424404. It focuses on addressing the harm caused by wrongful convictions through a comprehensive approach that includes advocacy, education, and direct support.

History and Founding

The project was founded by Jennifer Thompson, who drew on her personal experience as a crime survivor whose case led to a DNA-based exoneration. Thompson's story contributed to pioneering restorative justice in such cases, particularly through her friendship with the wrongly convicted individual. They co-authored the memoir "Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and Redemption" and received the Special Courage Award from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime in 2015[2].

Mission and Activities

Healing Justice works to prevent and alleviate the harms caused to all parties involved in wrongful convictions, including victims, survivors, the wrongly convicted, families, and communities. The organization achieves this through a combination of Direct Services Programs and Technical Assistance Programs.

Direct Services Programs

These programs provide individualized and group healing opportunities for recovery. They include:

• Individual and group peer-to-peer support: Offering support networks for those affected.
• Restorative justice opportunities: Facilitating pathways for healing and reconciliation.
• In-person healing retreats: Organizing retreats for immersive healing experiences.
• Specialized online support resources: Providing accessible tools for those in need of support[1][5].

Technical Assistance Programs

These programs provide transformative technical assistance in partnership with local organizations and government agencies. They focus on expanding post-conviction services and protecting victims' rights, including specialized training, customized tools, case recommendations, and support for victims and survivors of violent crime[1].

Leadership and Staff

The organization is led by a team of experienced advocates and organizers. Katie has served as Executive Director since the project's founding and has a background in criminal justice reform and victim services[4]. Other key staff members bring expertise in public health, restorative justice, and victim services.

Impact

By providing a comprehensive approach to healing and justice, Healing Justice transforms the lives of individuals and communities affected by wrongful convictions. It also aims to leverage these experiences to reform the legal system, ensuring justice for all parties involved[1].