Collaborative Partnerships

Countywide Partnerships

Beyond our core districts, we also support LA County Dream Resource Center schools in ABC Unified, Hacienda-La Puente, Inglewood, and Norwalk-La Mirada. In partnership with Helpline Youth Counseling and 211 LA, we use a “train-the-trainer” model to embed restorative practices and conflict resolution into youth-serving programs. These partnerships extend our reach and build local capacity for long-term change. 

Global Reach: Our impact doesn’t stop at the county line. Through School Tools, our free, online curriculum portal, over 45,000 users across 100+ countries annually access our resources to foster restorative practices in their communities.

Community & Research Partnerships

To amplify our work, we partner with organizations across sectors—building a strong ecosystem for change.

• Dream Centers
   A public-private initiative with 211 LA, Helpline Youth Counseling, and local districts to connect students and families with holistic support.
• LA vs. Hate
   In partnership with the LA County Human Relations Commission, we help schools actively engage in community efforts to combat hate and foster inclusion.
• Cal Poly Pomona
   Led by Dr. Dayna Mitchell, education doctorate students are evaluating the long-term impact of our district partnerships, starting in Azusa. Their findings will inform state and national conversations on replacing punitive discipline with restorative practices.
• Pepperdine Law School, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution
   WJC’s seminar course, taught by Rehana Jamal, immerses law students in real-world school conflict resolution through externships in mediation coaching, curriculum design, and more. It’s a bridge between the courtroom and the classroom—preparing the next generation of legal professionals to support systemic change in education.

District Wide Partnerships

At the Western Justice Center (WJC), we know that real, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why we have multi-year, districtwide partnerships with Azusa Unified, El Monte City, and Pasadena Unified. Each partnership spans at least five years, giving us the time to build trust, foster strong relationships, and encourage innovation and creativity within the district.  This long-term approach empowers students, educators, administrators, and parents to collaborate and transform how schools address conflict and behavior. By embedding ourselves in the school community, we can create meaningful, systemic change that lasts.

The Value of Districtwide Partnerships

Working at a districtwide level allows us to implement change that benefits every school, not just a few. It helps ensure that conflict resolution and restorative practices are fully integrated into school culture, making the approach more sustainable and effective. Our model is based on building trust over time, allowing space for creativity and innovation to thrive. This leads to collaborative relationships where everyone is part of the solution.

For example, our partnership with Azusa Unified began in 2019-2020, just before the pandemic hit. Armed with a $15 million Community Schools grant, it became a cornerstone pilot. Today, conflict resolution education (CRE) is embedded districtwide in TK-8, and we’re partnering with Cal Poly Pomona to research the impact of this work.

From Theory To Practice

Working at a districtwide level allows us to implement change that benefits every school, not just a few. It helps ensure that conflict resolution and restorative practices are fully integrated into school culture, making the approach more sustainable and effective. Our model is based on building trust over time, allowing space for creativity and innovation to thrive. This leads to collaborative relationships where everyone is part of the solution.

For example, our partnership with Azusa Unified began in 2019-2020, just before the pandemic hit. Armed with a $15 million Community Schools grant, it became a cornerstone pilot. Today, conflict resolution education (CRE) is embedded districtwide in TK-8, and we’re partnering with Cal Poly Pomona to research the impact of this work.

United Against Hate Week Pasadena