South Bend Reparatory
Justice Commission
Justice Commission
Subcommittee Recommendations
Each Subcommittee of the South Bend Reparatory Justice Commission has created a timeline to help the City of South Bend implement remedies.
Click an icon below to view a Subcommittee's timeline
Employment & Economic Opportunity
Immediate
Strengthen economic equity by increasing contracts and routine purchasing with local Black-owned businesses — from office and cleaning supplies to food and beverage services.
Within 3 Months
Promote fair hiring by eliminating criminal history questions from initial applications, unless legally required.
Within 6 Months
Expand Financial CounselingHelp families build wealth.End Hiring Credit ChecksRemove unfair employment barriers.Strengthen Contract EnforcementHold City-funded companies accountable.
Within 1 Year
Youth Wealth EducationTrade Career AccessLeadership AdvancementInvest in Black BusinessesEntrepreneur DevelopmentEquitable Growth
Education
Immediate
Free GED Access · After-School & Advanced Academic Support · Wraparound Family Services · Fair Discipline Reform
Within 6 Months
Recruit & Hire More Black TeachersThrough HBCU partnerships.Place Top Educators Where Impact Is GreatestStrengthen Early Childhood Reading Access
Within 1 Year
Mandatory Cultural Competency TrainingEnsure Full Teacher CertificationExpand Early College AccessInvest in Early Childhood EducationGuarantee Early Literacy Access
Within 3 Years
Expand Black Youth Mentorship ProgramsPartner with 100 Black Men and designate a program coordinator.
Health & Mental Health
Immediate
Invest in Black Maternal & Infant Health · Increase Mental Health Peer Support · Create Directory of Black Health Providers · Accelerate Lead Removal · Expand Lead Testing
Within 6 Months
Establish Community-Based Mental Health Centers · Develop Culturally Competent Healthcare Teams · Conduct Long-Term Health Studies & Free Screenings
Within 1 Year
Expand Community Health WorkforceRequire Annual Public Health Equity ReportingIncrease Access to Healthy FoodBuild Healthcare Career Pathways
Within 3 Years
Establish a Black Health Equity FundPartner with public and private entities for preventative care, chronic disease management, and maternal health programs.
Housing
Immediate
Reform Zoning · Maintain Housing Counseling · Expand Financial Empowerment for Homeownership · Strengthen Down Payment Assistance · Ensure Equal Infrastructure Investment
Within 3 Months
Expand Affordable Housing PartnershipsImplement Fine Forgiveness ProgramsStrengthen Rental AccountabilityIncrease Tenant TransparencyPromote Environmental Health & Safety
Within 6 Months
Educate community on Fair Housing Act rights · Maintain sidewalks on city-owned properties
Within 1 Year
Expand & Streamline Home Repair GrantsIncrease Housing for Low-Income ResidentsTest & Address Housing DiscriminationAdopt Neighborhood-Focused Road Repair Planning