Red Hook Justice - Your Community. Your Court.

Jessica Colon, the Deputy Project Director of the Red Hook Community Justice Center, was honored with the "Red Hook Community Spirit" from Calvary Baptist Church of Red Hook, along with long-time residents Missionary Edith Hough, and Mrs. Frances Brown and Mr. Halvard Brown. The award is given to recognize the work of community members that work to improve the lives of Red Hook residents. This is the first year of the award. Councilmember Carlos Menchaca and a representative from State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz' office were also on hand to celebrate with local residents.   Jessica Colon with Reverend John A. Credle Jr.

Today Red Hook celebrated the graduation of its second class of Peacemakers. The Peacemaking Program is entering its second year and is already having a very positive impact on our community. You can learn more about this innovate program on their webpage: http://www.courtinnovation.org/project/peacemaking-program   Jessica Colon Deputy Project Director 

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, our Youth Court Members celebrated his legacy by participating in a discussion centered on Dr. King. Our members learned some interesting facts about Dr. King and this lead to discussions about his use of civil disobedience in the Civil Rights M ovement and the man behind the dream. Dr. King’s contributions to our society are extremely appreciated and together the Youth Court Members wanted to honor him, so in their own “I Have Dream” speeches many members dreamt of a world being tolerant of all different sexes, races, and religions. Their dreams also consisted of achieving their own personal goals which included being role models for other youth, and wanting a world in which there was less violence and people going hungry. In addition to the discussion, the Red Hook Youth Court Members donated coats to the New York Cares Coat Drive at the 76 th Precinct as their act of service. As we all know, this winter has bee...

Red Hook hosted a visit from Professor David Gergen and his graduate students from the  Harvard Kennedy School Center for Public Leadership . As a previous recipient of the Innovations in American Government Award from the Ford Foundation, the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and the Council for Excellence in Government, the Center for Court Innovation was pleased to welcome the group to learn more about the Justice Center. David Gergen (Left), Red Hook Judge Alex Calabrese (Center), Red Hook Deputy Director Jessica Colon (Center Right), with students and staff from the Harvard Kennedy Center for Public Leadership   The Innovations in American Government Awards are given to "exemplary achievements in government problem solving." The award, considered to be among the nation's most prestigious public service honors, recognized the Center for its unique role in fostering court innovation in New York State and nationally. In 2...

Staff, family and friends all joined the Red Hook Youth Court at their Graduation and Induction Ceremony. The ceremony was opened by the Red Hook Community Justice Center’s Director, Julian Adler, who gave the graduates and inductees a few words of wisdom that they can use in youth court, but also apply to their daily lives. A total number of 14 Youth Court members graduated, while 9 trainees were sworn in and inducted by Community Affairs Officer, Vincent Marrone of the 76th Precinct.   Seven  of the Youth Court graduates are high school seniors and are on track to begin college in the Fall of 2014. Members and staff of the Red Hook Youth Court are looking forward to the New Year, as they will continue to learn, serve the community, help their peers, and practice restorative justice. You can learn more about the Red Hook Youth Court here: http://173.231.132.82/red-hook-youth-court       Julian Adler, Director of the Red H...

Stating that the Red Hook Community Justice Center "epitomizes" the way to fight crime along with the community, Mayor-Elect Bill de Blasio announced Bill Bratton as the city's next police commissioner. By holding the announcement as the Justice Center, de Blasio emphasized that "we can fight crime and bring police and community together." Mr. Bratton stated that, as police commissioner he will bring "legitimacy and trust" to the NYPD", and "if we get it right here, we can be a beacon of light for the rest of the world." You can see the full press conference here: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/06/nyregion/william-bratton-new-york-city-police-commissioner.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0 Jessica Colon Deputy Project Director  

The Red Hook Youth Court has developed a partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District. It all began when they visited the Red Hook Community Justice Center and viewed youth court in the Spring, and from there a relationship was built. Over the summer, the Red Hook Youth Court members visited the U.S. Attorney’s Offices where they were able to observe a sentencing hearing and meet with Judge Gleeson. Most recently, the U.S. Attorney's Office has partnered with us yet again, and have been so graciously assisting us with facilitating training sessions for our new class of trainees, focusing on topics such as: public speaking, court roles, and writing opening and closing statements. This is extremely important for the growth of our members and trainees because they get to be trained by professionals in the actual law field.   Gleacy Mejia, Youth Court Program Assistant Youth Court Members with Attorney's from the US Attorney's Office Eas...