OUR IMPACT
2025...was the Year of Expansion...
2026...We STILL Got Us!​
​
In 2025, we asked how to hold our community through political chaos, violence, and uncertainty—and our answer was to create spaces where healing and organizing become one. In 2025, Fanm Saj held over 50 healing circles, trained more than 30 young people as healers and community leaders, our founder, Ruth Ifakemi Jeannoel published a book sharing our restorative justice methodology, and we reached over 5,000 community members through circles, training, and collective care. We witnessed elders and young immigrants build bridges across generations, youth once written off by schools become certified circle keepers, and communities process grief together and rise with a shared conviction: We got us. This is the power of healing justice—essential, political, and transformative—proving that when Black communities are given space to heal, we don’t fall apart; we organize more powerfully and build lasting collective strength.​
​
Members of Our Team Featured on This Restorative Life
​
In the final episode of our Restorative series, Saniah Brown Jones shares her insights as a young person impacted by these initiatives, highlighting their role in healing and building confidence. We also feature Ruth Ifakemi Jeannoel, a Haitian American cultural organizer and Founder of Fanm Saj, Inc. Ruth discusses how restorative practices can enhance Black maternal health and the importance of connection circles. Her advocacy work deepens our understanding of restorative justice’s potential to foster equitable, healing-centered communities.​
Celebrating 5 years of Fanm Saj!
​
Our impact cannot be solely measured by numbers. It is the relationships we have built and the development of new leaders that truly reflect our progress. We humbly acknowledge that our work has enabled youth, parents, organizers, organizations to build stronger infrastructures of culture, healing, and wellness. Together, we are fostering a Restorative Ecosystem that is paving the way for Healing. We are doing the work and for that, Fanm Saj, we are divine! Read more below...
​
Strengthening Partnerships Between Life Comes From It and Grantees
Youth Leadership Board Workshop: Documentation and Process Evaluation
​
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 9:00 AM ET until 4:00 PM ET, Michael Foster, EdD, MPH, Life Comes From It (LCFI) Program Consultant, attended the Youth Leadership Board workshop on restorative practices and conflict resolution hosted by Fanm Saj, a restorative practices for impact organization in Miami, Florida led by Ruth Jeannoel. Please review the workshop agenda in the appendices. Michael attended this workshop to document the gathering and provideprocess-related feedback.​
TESTIMONIALS
“Before facilitating I felt nervous, While facilitating I felt relieved when I realized everything was going good. After facilitating I felt great and accomplished everythingthat needed to be
done.”
Youth Circle Keeper
"It’s a safe and empowering space for womxn of color. Young people
also get to shine here. I appreciate and support their work!! Love and light."
Alina S.
Circle Participant
"In times of turmoil, healing should and will never be far behind. The healing that was
bestowed upon me by the masterful team at Fanm Saj brought me so much peace and security."
Nelida
Circle Participant
"I highly recommend doing a healing circle with Fanm Saj. It was an incredible experience. Initially I didn’t think the circle would resolve our issues but to my surprise we all left feeling healed, fulfilled,
lighter, & happy. Ruth ensured that everything was planned and organized. She made us feel open to discuss our issues. Everything was structured and we all had to abide by the rules of the circle.
Everyone had the opportunity to speak when it was our turn. I really love how everything flowed. I truly appreciate this experience and I’m confident it will work for anyone who does it. Trust me there’s
power in the circle!!! Thank you so much Ruth, Fanm Saj."
​
Christina R., Circle Participant
​