Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ)

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California | Oakland/Alameda County  

Organization Description: Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ) is a community-based organization that engages and builds leadership among young people at-risk for or directly impacted by the legal, immigration, and foster care systems to advance efforts to end youth criminalization and mass incarceration. CURYJ infuses political education, restorative justice practices, and culturally grounded healing with life coaching and professional development to equip youth to lead policy change and grassroots campaigns. Through their community-based initiatives including arts programming and community violence interruption programming, CURYJ creates pathways to help young people heal, grow, and thrive in the Oakland community.  

Eligibility: All youth residing in Alameda County who are or have been impacted by the juvenile legal system, immigration system, or the family policing system (or are otherwise at risk of involvement) are eligible to apply for CURYJ programming, with some programs limited to youth with ties in Oakland.  

Program Description: CURYJ offers several youth programs and also serves as a participatory defense hub for youth and adult cases. CURYJ weaves restorative justice and culturally rooted healing practices throughout all of their programming. Below are some examples of their key programs for youth:  

  • Homies 4 Justice (H4J): Homies 4 Justice is a paid internship program for youth between the ages of 14–18 that combines leadership development, healing, and advocacy to support young people who are impacted by the juvenile legal system, immigration, or policing system or are otherwise at risk of involvement. Through weekly meetings and community events, participants engage in political education and receive one-on-one mentorship. The program also provides hands-on exposure to policy and grassroots advocacy, including workshops on civic engagement and participation in advocacy days and other political action. Youth also participate in enriching experiences such as outdoor trips, cultural activities, and community events that foster connection and growth.  
  • Dream Beyond Bars (DBB): is a one- year paid fellowship program that serves formerly incarcerated young adults ages 18–25 years old. The program includes workforce development, leadership, and community engagement. Participants commit to approximately 15 hours per week and receive training and mentorship as well as experience tabling at community events, building coalitions, and supporting advocacy efforts. The fellowship provides deep engagement in policy campaigns while preparing participants for long-term employment through a workforce development curriculum that includes job readiness training, placement support, and ongoing career guidance after hiring. 
  • Life Coaching: the life coaching program provides individualized, ongoing support for young people between the ages of 13–35 through an application process. The program offers mentorship, skill-building, and help with groceries, housing, employment, and education. Unlike the time-bound fellowship programs, life coaching is flexible and does not have a set end date. Participants can engage in life coaching concurrently with other programs, such as H4J or DBB.  
  • Participatory Defense: CURYJ is a member of the National Participatory Defense Network and a founding member of the Alameda County Participatory Defense Hub, which includes Reuniting Families Contra Costa. Participants or public defenders can reach out as needs arise, with support typically provided through virtual meetings (e.g., Zoom), allowing the program to serve individuals both within and beyond Alameda County.  

Services Offered: 

  • Healing and Cultural Support 
  • Community Violence Interruption  
  • Mentorship and Coaching 
  • Workplace Stability and Job Readiness Program 
  • Youth Organizing 
  • Civic Engagement  
  • Fellowship Program 
  • Participatory Defense 

Contact and Referral Information: To refer a youth to CURYJ, please contact Xochtil Larios at xlarios@curyj.org  and Alex Toris at atoris@curyj.org.  

Last Updated June 2026