This is a recap of the RestorED Pilot Project conducted by the Ever Forward Club and The F.I.N.D. Design in partnership with Metro Nashville Schools.
When Healing Becomes a Movement: Ever Forward's Impact with The RestorED Project
Earlier this spring, we had the privilege of co-leading a powerful experience that left us transformed and deeply hopeful. As The Ever Forward Club, our mission has always been to create brave spaces where young people can reflect, connect, and be their full selves. But this time, our work was part of something even bigger—a city-wide movement for healing and restoration.
We were invited to Nashville by our incredible partners at The F.I.N.D. Design, in collaboration with Metro Nashville Public Schools and hosted by the beautiful folks at I'm Stronger Than My Father. Together, we launched The RestorED Project—a healing-centered, educator-focused initiative funded by New Profit that is changing how school communities care for both students and staff.
What is The RestorED Project?
The RestorED Project is not your average professional development. It’s a trauma-informed, Afrocentric wellness experience rooted in the belief that educators—especially Black educators—deserve to be seen, supported, and sustained.
During the pilot phase, we helped create a wellness space for 35 educators that included healing circles, sound therapy, culturally responsive SEL tools, and care packages designed with love and intention. These weren’t just PD sessions—they were soul sessions.
We witnessed 35 educators take a deep breath—some for the first time in months. We heard teachers say things like:
“This is the first time I’ve felt poured into by the system I pour so much into.”
And the data backs it up:
85% of participants reported increased well-being and support.
Educators left with emotional tools and a tangible sense of community.
The Teacher Hub—a digital platform for continued healing-centered engagement—was launched to sustain the work beyond the event.
This is what collective care looks like. And this is what school transformation feels like.
Our Time at HG Hill: The Power of the Mask
As part of this experience, we led our Taking Off The Mask workshop with 25 middle school students at HG Hill Middle School. Using our signature mask postcards, students reflected on the faces they show the world and the emotions they often hide.
In that room, the students showed up with courage. They named their fears. They honored their truths. They held space for one another in ways that even adults sometimes struggle to do. It was pure magic—and deeply aligned with the RestorED vision of building emotionally intelligent, culturally safe classrooms.
From Nashville to Oakland: What’s Next
We left Nashville with full hearts and a clear purpose. Alongside our brothers and sisters at The F.I.N.D. Design, we’re working to bring The RestorED Project to Oakland. Because our educators and students here are holding similar pain, facing similar burnout, and deserve the same intentional healing.
We know that restoration is possible. We saw it happen. And now we’re ready to bring that same care, creativity, and courage to our own community.
A Word of Gratitude
None of this would’ve been possible without a few key champions:
✨ Kara James, Co-Founder of The F.I.N.D. Design, whose vision, leadership, and deep commitment to Black girl and educator wellness laid the foundation for this work.
✨ Melissa Gordon of Metro Nashville Public Schools, whose organizing and advocacy ensured educators had access to this restorative space.
✨ Renee Jones from I'm Stronger Than My Father, who hosted us with so much warmth and created a space that radiated love and care from the moment we walked in the door.
This wasn’t just a workshop. It was a homecoming for our spirits. It was a reminder that we don’t have to do this work alone—and we’re not supposed to.
So, to everyone who showed up, shared their truth, and held space: we see you. We thank you. And we carry this healing forward, wherever we go next.
