River Phoenix Center for Peace Building

What River Phoenix Center for Peace Building does

The River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding (RPCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2012 in Gainesville, Florida by Heart Phoenix and Jeffrey Weisberg, operating under EIN 59-3179952. It delivers a comprehensive, four-pillar peacebuilding model integrating Restorative Justice, Dialogue, Social-Emotional Learning, and Trauma-Responsive Approaches to address conflict and violence in communities. Core programs include Restorative Justice Training (Basic and Advanced Practitioner levels, $250-$350 sliding scale), facilitated dialogues (Police Youth, Educator Student, Community), a 10-Day Residential Community Peacebuilder Immersion ($2,000-$3,000 per participant), Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching, and the Conflict Solution Hub providing mediation and restorative justice circles on a sliding scale of $0-$150 per hour. The organization is sustained by a hybrid revenue model combining tax-deductible donations and grants with program and training fees, and distributes services through direct on-site delivery to law enforcement agencies, schools, juvenile justice partners, and community organizations.

RPCP's technology stack is non-proprietary and consists of standard web infrastructure (Squarespace-hosted site, PayPal donation processing) and consumer collaboration tools (Zoom, WhatsApp) for international engagement; there are no custom software platforms, AI capabilities, or APIs. The technology supports rather than drives the value proposition, which is fundamentally human-facilitated. Distribution spans on-site training in Alachua County and Florida, the US State Department Community Solutions Program (IREX) which hosts international fellows and functions as a global training-of-trainers channel, and regional partnerships such as RJ Africa with Yenet Ministries in Uganda. Internationally, RPCP operates the Ukraine Peacebuilding Program (launched February 2022) and the RJ Africa Refugee Resilience Project across four refugee settlements in Uganda plus South Sudan, reaching an accumulated footprint that spans the U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Philippines.

The organization has documented claimed outcome metrics including a 90% reduction in juvenile arrests since 2014, a 78% overall reduction in youth arrests since 2013, and a 95% reduction in at-school arrests, alongside training 2,000+ educators and professionals, facilitating 140+ dialogues with 3,000+ participants, hosting 300+ international practitioners, and training 1,200+ adults in trauma-responsive community initiatives. Governance is provided by a Board of Directors including Heart Phoenix (Board President), Rain Phoenix (Board Vice President), Jeffrey Weisberg (Executive Director and Lead Trainer), Will Halvosa (co-developer of the Police Youth Dialogue), and other community leaders.

Name

River Phoenix Center for Peace Building

Legal name

River Phoenix Center For Peacebuilding

Website

https://centerforpeacebuilding.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012 in Gainesville, Florida that delivers restorative justice training, facilitated dialogues, conflict coaching, and trauma-responsive community programs to schools, law enforcement agencies, juvenile justice partners, and refugee communities in the U.S. and internationally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Restorative Justice and Peacebuilding Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Transitional Justice, Accountability & Reparations (BPADAGAL), Protection, Child Protection & Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response (BPAGAAAG), Community Center Education Programs (EDAAAFAB)

Keywords

• Restorative justice services
• Peacebuilding training
• Community mediation
• Conflict resolution coaching
• Social-emotional learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Gainesville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: RPCP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 59-3179952) that relies on tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. They accept donations via PayPal, check, and stock transfers. The organization ran specific fundraising campaigns such as the Ukraine Support campaign with matching donations from the Board.
2. Training Program Fees: RPCP generates revenue through fee-based training programs including Restorative Justice Training ($250-$350 sliding scale), Advanced Practitioner Training ($250-$350 sliding scale), and Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching Training. These programs target educators, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community organizations.
3. Conflict Solution Hub Services: The Conflict Solution Hub provides community mediation, restorative justice circles, and conflict coaching services on a sliding scale of $0-$150 per hour. Cost to deliver is $75/hour, with contributions above that supporting free services for those who cannot pay.
4. Immersion Program Fees: The 10-day Residential Community Peacebuilding Immersion costs $2000-$3000 per participant, plus optional lodging ($225-$315 for 9 nights). Financial assistance is available. Space is limited to 12 participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding (RPCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers fee-based peacebuilding training, restorative justice certification, facilitated dialogues, and community mediation/conflict coaching services. Programs are organized around a four-pillar model (Restorative Justice, Social-Emotional Learning, Dialogue, and Trauma-Responsive Approaches) and target schools, law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and individuals. International programming extends to Ukraine and African refugee settlements.

Product overview

The River Phoenix Center for Peace Building (RPCP) offers a comprehensive suite of peacebuilding products and services built around a Four Pillar Community Peacebuilding Model (Restorative Practices, Social-Emotional Learning, Dialogue, and Trauma-Responsive Approaches). The core offerings include Restorative Justice Training (Basic and Advanced Practitioner levels), multiple Dialogue programs (Police Youth, Educator Student, and Community Dialogues), Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching, and the Conflict Solution Hub providing community mediation and restorative justice circles. RPCP delivers training through in-person formats including a 10-Day Residential Immersion Experience, virtual sessions, and on-site organizational training. International initiatives include the Ukraine Peacebuilding Program and RJ Africa Refugee Resilience Project. The organization also provides digital programming through the Virtual Peace Collaborative and supports local initiatives including Students to Successful Citizens and Trauma Responsive Community programs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Restorative Justice Training
• Advanced Restorative Justice Practitioner Training
• Restorative Practice Trainings for Schools and Youth Program Staff
• Police Youth Dialogue
• Educator Student Dialogue
• Community Dialogue
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum
• Community Peacebuilder Ten-Day Residential Immersion
• Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching
• Conflict Solution Hub
• Ukraine Peacebuilding Program
• RJ Africa Refugee Resilience Project

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% reduction in juvenile arrests in Gainesville since 2014 through partnerships with local law enforcement
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, secondary and minor.

• Gainesville Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Long-standing partnership to develop and implement the Police Youth Dialogue program, with GPD Acting Captain Will Halvosa co-developing the program with RPCP Executive Director. Partnership has contributed to 90% reduction in juvenile arrests.
• The Peace AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP Co-Founder Heart Phoenix co-founded The Peace Alliance in 2004, a national nonprofit organization seeking to elevate peacebuilding work through research and legislative advocacy for a Department of Peace at the Cabinet Level.
• Alachua County Sheriff's OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Police Youth Dialogues and broader juvenile justice reform initiatives within the county.
• US Department of State - Community Solutions Program / IREXcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP hosts international fellows through this program, having trained 300+ practitioners from around the world. This partnership enables global expansion of RPCP's model through trained practitioners.
• Yenet MinistriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Yenet Ministries in Uganda led by Mansuk Milton to implement RJ Africa's Refugee Resilience Project in South Sudanese refugee communities. Yenet Ministries is the local implementing partner.
• Peace4GainesvillecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP is a co-founder of Peace4Gainesville, a consortium of trauma practitioners and advocates working to coordinate resources and educate the community about trauma prevalence and resiliency building.
• Alachua County SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Educator Student Dialogues, teacher training, and school assemblies. RPCP supports the district's shift toward restorative practices.
• Resilience Charter SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP is a founding collaborative partner of the school serving grades 6-8. Provides ongoing staff training on Restorative Justice Circles and peacebuilding integration.
• Florida Department of Juvenile JusticecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP supports DJJ through diversion programs and training in Restorative Practices as alternatives to punitive approaches.
• The Children's Trust of Alachua CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding and supporting a coordinated system of community services for children and families. CTAC funds and supports RPCP programs.
• Santa Fe CollegesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Conflict Resolution Week activities and broader educational collaboration.
• University of FloridasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership during Conflict Resolution Week and UF Law Mediation Clinic collaboration.
• Project YouthBuildsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational and leadership program for young people who have dropped out of school, collaborating on youth empowerment.
• Pace Center for GirlssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit offering academic and mental health support for middle and high school girls.
• Gainesville Police Athletic League (GPAL)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngages at-risk youth through sports, mentorship, and educational enrichment to foster positive relationships with law enforcement.
• PACT Project (Peace Action Community Team)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots initiative founded by RPCP operating in Oakview neighborhood and Majestic Oaks Apartments, focusing on community-based non-police interventions.
• Children's Services Council of Broward CountysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports and funds comprehensive mental wellbeing programs for children and families in Broward County.
• AKWAABA Freedom SchoolsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerSix-week summer reading enrichment program at University of Florida focused on student agency and community engagement.
• Project ConnectsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFramework for continuity of care for youth transitioning from residential services to their home community.
• Full Citizens CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnecticut-based action group focused on undoing harms caused by felony disenfranchisement.
• Dr. Mariia LevchenkocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRPCP's International Director of Outreach and Training for Ukraine. A Ukrainian refugee and former OSCE National Dialogue Facilitation Officer who coordinates RPCP's Ukraine response including dialogue facilitator training and NGO networking.
• Local Ukrainian NGOscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSmall local NGOs working directly with people on the ground in Ukraine, hand-picked by Dr. Mariia Levchenko for RPCP's capacity-building support.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Peers

• Initiative for Basotho Children (and similar grassroots NGOs in target regions):

Direct peers

• Center for Community Alternatives: CCA operates restorative justice programs for youth and adults involved in the justice system in New York and beyond. It is a direct peer in the U.S. restorative justice services space, offering victim-offender mediation and community-based alternatives comparable to RPCP's RJ Circles and Conflict Solution Hub offerings.
• Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth (RJOY): RJOY is a community-based restorative justice nonprofit serving youth in Oakland, CA through peacemaking circles, restorative justice diversion, and school-based programs. It is structurally similar to RPCP, operating at the intersection of schools, juvenile justice, and community peacebuilding with comparable programs.
• International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP): IIRP is the leading professional training and graduate education institution for restorative practices worldwide. It offers practitioner certificates and degrees that directly overlap with RPCP's Restorative Justice Training and Advanced Practitioner Training, serving educators, law enforcement, and community organizations in the same buyer segments.

Regional players

• Florida Restorative Justice Association: FRJA is the state-level professional association for restorative justice practitioners in Florida, where Heart Phoenix has served as Past President. It is comparable to RPCP as a Florida-focused RJ advocacy and training body, though FRJA is membership-based rather than a direct service provider.

Others

• The Peace Alliance: The Peace Alliance was co-founded by Heart Phoenix and Jeffrey Weisberg in 2004, focused on elevating peacebuilding through advocacy for a federal Department of Peace. It is a sister organization to RPCP, sharing founders and a peacebuilding mission but operating in policy advocacy rather than direct service delivery.

Broad incumbents

• Peace Direct: Peace Direct is an international nonprofit that supports local peacebuilders in conflict-affected countries. It overlaps with RPCP's RJ Africa refugee work and Ukraine programming, though Peace Direct operates primarily as a funder/partner network rather than direct service provider.
• Search for Common Ground: Search for Common Ground is one of the world's largest dedicated peacebuilding NGOs, operating in 30+ countries with conflict transformation programs. It is comparable to RPCP's international peacebuilding work (Ukraine, Africa) but at significantly greater scale and with a broader thematic scope.

Emerging players

• Community Justice Exchange: Community Justice Exchange is a national intermediary supporting community-led justice reforms, including RJ and community-based alternatives to policing. It overlaps with RPCP's police-community dialogue work and justice reform mission, primarily through capacity-building and network coordination.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rpcppeace
• Facebookfacebook.com/rpcpb
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/about

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about River Phoenix Center for Peace Building