Restore Forward is an expansion of Black Women’s Blueprint focused on cultivating a safe community space where women and all people can lead lives of sovereignty. Black Women’s Blueprint was born out of the struggle of Black women and survivors. The women involved with Black Women’s Blueprint created and built Restore Forward to acknowledge they have done a great amount of healing. Restore Forward is a community space where women and all people can continue to heal, begin to trust, be more open, and be more confident. Restore Forward is currently in the initial stages of completing their 10 year plan.
In 2020, Restore Forward secured 300 acres of land in Ava, New York which was formerly an Air Force Test Annex site. The building from the former test site located on the property is 12,000 square feet and is in the process of restoration. This building will be the retreat center for the Restore Forward Initiative. The retreat center is a space dedicated to peace and justice. All individuals and groups involved with the Restore Forward Institute will follow the guiding pillars set forth by Restore Forward and Black Women’s Blueprint. Restore Forward offers land stewardship, farming, healing, educational workshops, events, and retreats to all those involved. These pillars work in harmony with one another to create a joyful space to connect with the land, connect with one another, and foster justice across communities.
Restore Forward’s approach to healing communities involves healing individual traumas, practicing interpersonal reconciliation, and a variety of retreats, workshops, and sister circles. The healing program is centered around treating individuals with PTSD and depression among other needs. They will have access to expressive art therapy, yoga, meditation, breathwork, animal-assisted therapies, and a variety of behavioral therapies. They have and will continue to bring in a multitude of professionals to help with this process, including therapists, healers, midwives, and peace practitioners. These practitioners will live on the site.
The goal over the coming years is to use approximately 25 acres of the land for agriculture. Their holistic farming practices include growing plants and foods for preventative medicine, growing food for the people, using heirloom seeds and seeds coming from BIPOC communities, all while using sustainable and regenerative farming practices. Indigenous communities and other community groups will also be given land under the premise that they will adhere to the goals of the Restore Forward Institute. The reclamation of land is an important step toward healing for the community partners. The land will also be home to lodging, camping areas, event spaces, and walking trails.
