The Village Revival Project Featured BY EJUSA
We’re excited to share that The Village Revival Project was recently featured by Equal Justice USA (EJUSA), highlighting our partnership and the transformative work we’re doing to heal our community. Over the past 18 months, EJUSA has played a key role in turning our vision into a reality, helping us build a strong foundation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and launch our first program cohort.
How Our Partnership Began
Our founder, Alia Berry, met EJUSA’s team at Newark’s Military Park in June 2022, where she shared her passion for healing relationships between those impacted by violence and the neighbors who have caused harm. This vision of bringing neighbors together through trauma-informed, art-based dialogue was a perfect fit for EJUSA’s mission of supporting community-led solutions to violence.
What followed was 18 months of collaboration, with EJUSA helping us navigate the complexities of launching a nonprofit. From developing a governing board to securing fiscal sponsorship, EJUSA’s support went far beyond logistics. They provided a space for Alia to reflect on our mission, grow as a leader, and ensure that our work always centers the needs of those most affected by violence.
The Power of EJUSA’s Support
EJUSA’s approach is rooted in trust and transparency, which helped shape the heart of The Village Revival Project. Through bi-weekly strategy calls, they guided us in asking the right questions: Who are we accountable to? How do we share power with our neighbors? How do we keep our community’s dignity at the center of our work?
These conversations helped us not only structure The Village Revival Project but also stay focused on long-term impact. EJUSA encouraged us to dream about what our program could achieve—then helped break those dreams into practical steps. With their guidance, we’ve created a sustainable model that prioritizes healing, empathy, and community-led transformation.
Rebuilding Our Village, Together
The Village Revival Project uses art and dialogue to humanize relationships between neighbors who have caused harm and those impacted by it. Our four-phase program—**Independent Reflection**, **Collective Healing**, **Public Demonstration**, and **Continuing to Rebuild**—guides participants through a journey of healing, empathy, and community restoration.
Thanks to EJUSA’s support, we’ve been able to create a program that isn’t just about fixing immediate problems—it’s about building a future where our village can heal and thrive. By fostering empathy and empowering our neighbors, we’re breaking the cycle of violence and creating a stronger, more connected community.
About EJUSA: Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) is a national organization dedicated to transforming the justice system by building community safety, healing, and justice. They support grassroots organizations like The Village Revival Project through capacity building, helping us grow and thrive by providing essential tools and resources.
We are deeply grateful for EJUSA’s partnership, which has been instrumental in making The Village Revival Project a reality.