Restorative Services That Repair Harm, Strengthen Relationships, and Prevent Future Conflict
Connection First provides restorative services for youth, adults, schools, justice partners, and community members in Leon County.
Whether a referral comes from the criminal legal system, a school, or the community, our trained facilitators help individuals take accountability, repair harm, and move forward through a structured restorative process.
We currently accept referrals through three pathways:
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Criminal Legal System Referrals
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School-Based Restorative Services
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Community Conflict Resolution
Our mission is to cultivate peace and healing through human connection. We do this with restorative practices.
We are based in Tallahassee, Florida.
Guiding Principles
“Why Connection First? Before we can solve our problems, we must first have presence, listen, and understand each others’ needs. In other words, we must first connect.”
— Prof. Jeremiah W. Murphy, PhD (CFI President)
“Every criticism, judgment, diagnosis, and expression of anger is the tragic expression of an unmet need.”
— Dr. Marshall Rosenberg
“Connection is the energy that exists between people when they [experience being] seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
— Prof. Brené Brown, PhD
Restorative Principles
Harm Is About People, Not Just Laws
While laws may be broken, the core of the harm lies in the impact on people and relationships—not just the state. Restorative approaches focus on healing those personal and community-level wounds.
The People Most Impacted Lead the Process
Restorative processes center the voices of those most affected. Through dialogue and mutual agreement, participants co-create meaningful outcomes—something rarely offered in the criminal justice systems.
Accountability Is Active and Relational
Accountability in a restorative process
isn’t about punishment. It means the responsible person acknowledges the harm and works with those impacted to address needs, rebuild trust, and repair relationships.
Addressing Harm Prevents Future Conflict
Whether in community spaces or criminal cases, unaddressed harm often festers. Offering a safe space to engage with tension early can prevent escalation and promote long-term healing and safety.
