329 – When Violence, Gangs, and Incarceration are Part of the Culture, Where Does Restoration Begin?, with Madeline Rodriguez

Dr. Sandie Morgan is joined by her friend and colleague, Madeline Rodriguez, as the two discuss the importance of restorative practices. Madeline Rodriguez Madeline Rodriguez is the Director of Programs at Project Kinship, where she leads and works alongside teams dedicated to supporting and training individuals impacted by incarceration, gangs, community violence, and trauma. She has a strong background in community intervention, clinical leadership, and restorative practices. Madeline is passionate about providing culturally competent, community based, behavioral and mental health services. Key Points Project Kinship aims to provide a sense of home and community for individuals impacted by incarceration, gangs, violence, and trauma. The organization’s approach fosters a judgment-free environment where individuals can feel safe to express their pain and experiences. To ensure an individual feels heard and supported in their healing journey, it is important to use trauma-informed care. One aspect of this is empathic accuracy, which involves understanding and responding accurately to the emotional state of an individual.  Restorative practices play a crucial role in addressing community violence and individual trauma. These practices focus on repairing relationships, building community, and cultivating leadership while maintaining the emotional safety of participants. Project Kinship engages with community partners and employs "live handoffs" rather than simple referrals, ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the support they need and foster meaningful connections to promote healing and stability. Consistent, supportive relationships and interventions can help facilitate healing and personal growth in both youth and adults. With dedication and the right support, healing is possible for those affected by trauma. Resources Project Kinship International Institute for Restorative Practices Project AWARE  268: Rebuilding the Brain, with Dr. Anne Light Alternatives to Violence Project team Intraconnected by Dr. Daniel Siegel Neuro Sequential Model of Therapeutics Transcript Sandra Morgan 0:14 You're listening to the Ending Human Trafficking Podcast. This is episode #329: When Violence, Gangs and Incarceration are Part of the Culture, Where Does Restoration Begin?, with Maddie Rodriguez. My name is Dr. Sandie Morgan, and this is a show where we empower you to study the issues, be a voice, and make a difference in ending human trafficking. I'm recording in my office at Vanguard University, and Madeline Rodriguez is in the office with me, I call her Maddie. She is a dear friend and respected colleague. She is the Director of Programs at Project Kinship, where she leads and works alongside teams dedicated to supporting and training individuals impacted by incarceration, gangs, community violence, and trauma. Maddie has a strong background in community intervention, clinical leadership, and restorative practices. She is passionate about providing culturally competent, community based, behavioral and mental health services. There is so much more to learn about Maddie, and we're going to dive right into our conversation. Thank you so much for being here with me. Madeline Rodriguez 1:46 Thank you for having me. Dr Morgan, it's such a privilege and honor to be here with you this morning. Sandra Morgan 1:51 How long have you been at Project Kinship? Madeline Rodriguez 1:55 I'm going on four years. Four years at Project Kinship. Sandra Morgan 1:59 I would love to know how your life has changed in four years of working in this community. Madeline Rodriguez 2:12 Well, using some humor, I'd say I got my first gray hair. Sandra Morgan 2:17 Oh, well, that's kind of fun. Madeline Rodriguez 2:20 But I'd like to think that it's wisdom that now is being imparted to me, and now growing from within and out. No, it has been a phenomenal journey getting to this place and rea...