Branches, in partnership with Bloom Recovery Network, believe that everyone makes mistakes at various points in their lives, often with differing levels of justification. The truth is, we have all done wrong. We do not view those we serve as fundamentally flawed or morally inferior. As such, we believe in both second chances and first chances.

Our values include prevention of harm, the upholding of equal justice, and victim restoration. Moreover, we advocate for alternative solutions to certain social issues that do not involve punishment and incarceration. These traditional methods can separate families, penalize individuals for their economic status, and result in collateral consequences and additional barriers. We endorse a restorative justice approach, where individuals take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge the harm they’ve caused, and seek redemption.

Finally, we aim to become more actively involved in preventative practices, interventions, and strategies. Prevention can save young lives from being wasted and help prevent the onset of adult criminal careers.