REVISED - YJI Logo

WHO WE ARE

Youth Justice Initiative (YJI) creates a supportive community environment through:

  •   Restorative practices
  •   Academic support
  •   Family involvement
  •   Community service

YJI encourages youth to:

  •   Improve school attendance and performance
  •   Enhance family relationships
  •   Avoid drug use
  •   Reduce criminal activity
  •   Engage in their community

YJI involves:

  •   Engaging crime victims and community members in the justice process
  •   Holding young offenders accountable to those they have harmed
  •   Restoring victims' losses as much as possible
  •   Offering opportunities for dialogue and problem-solving

YJI aims to foster:

  •   Greater community safety
  •   Social harmony
  •   Peace for all
To learn more about the YJI Process

Community Workshop as the pre-cursor for the mural that is in the conference room of the newly modeled YJI space at the WDM Police Department (2024). Labeled

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Since 2018, YJI has broadened its mission to include prevention services. Program participation has more than doubled since COVID-19, and this growth is expected to continue.

West Des Moines (WDM), often seen as an affluent community, is experiencing rising needs due to demographic shifts and increasing poverty levels. This change is straining existing systems.

YJI aims to alleviate this strain by supporting youth who lack resources—whether financial, educational, or relational—through positive community connections.

Community members are crucial in helping youth develop socially and emotionally and holding youth accountable for their actions.

Want to volunteer? Volunteer

YJI is funded by The City of West Des Moines, West Des Moines Community Schools, United Way, and private donors.

You can help our mission by donating to YJI’s non-profit, the Friends of YJI: https://www.yjifriends.com/donation/

 

YJI was the recipient of the WDM Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Academy Annual Project (2024). Labeled