Restorative justice takes center stage in this powerful episode of Justice Voices. Host David Risley sits down with three remarkable women from the Faith Coalition for the Common Good, a Springfield, Illinois-based organization deeply committed to repairing harm, healing communities, and transforming the systems that perpetuate injustice.
Guests Tyshianna Bankhead (executive director), Vanessa Knox (transformational justice chair), and Quonie Barney (transformational justice community organizer) bring their lived experiences and leadership to a discussion on restorative justice, racial equity, and healthcare justice. They explain how their work focuses on relationships, accountability, and community healing—principles that lie at the heart of restorative justice.
The Faith Coalition describes its mission as: “We are a coalition of faith communities, community organizations, and individuals working collaboratively for racial equity, civic engagement, a fair economy, and participatory decision-making.” Their approach is both grassroots and deeply relational, driven by faith, justice, and an unwavering belief in the power of transformation.
Importantly, this episode launches a special series supported by the Field Foundation of Illinois. Funding comes through a Healing Illinois grant administered by the United Way of Central Illinois—part of a statewide effort to advance racial healing and build trust across communities.
Looking ahead, the next episode features a formerly incarcerated woman who went on to work as a prison guard. Her story is a rare, honest window into the justice system from both sides of the bars—and it underscores the urgent need for restorative justice reforms.
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Faith Coalition for the Common Good: https://faithcoalition-il.org/
Healing Illinois: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=126286
Field Foundation of Illinois: https://fieldfoundation.org/ United Way of Central Illinois: https://www.uwcil.org/
Justice Voices: https://justicevoices.org
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