County Awarded $494,713 Restorative Justice Grant

On June 3, the Goodhue County Board of Commissioners voted to accept the 2025 Restorative Practice Initiative Grant, awarded by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The $494,713 grant will enable Goodhue County Court Services to contract restorative youth services through a partnership with the Red Wing based organization RiseUp.

Formerly known as Red Wing Youth Outreach, RiseUp Partnership has served the community for over 30 years, providing a safe, inclusive space that meets the emotional, educational and social needs of youth. The program is designed to reduce disparities and promote equitable access to resources.

This grant award is the result of a collaborative effort between Goodhue County Court Services and the RiseUp Partnership. Together, they developed a proposal centered on restorative practices, measurable outcomes and comprehensive approaches to youth engagement.

Director of Goodhue County Court Services, Rhonda VanSchoonhoven highlighted the significance of this joint effort. “We’re proud of our collaboration with RiseUp Partnership and grateful to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety for investing in restorative services in our community. This funding ensures we can continue supporting youth through compassionate, community-based solutions.”

Grant funds will be used to integrate restorative principles into the network of youth services across Goodhue County. The award is expected to support programming through the beginning of 2027.