Dr. Shaniqua Jones is the Founder & CEO of Purple Path by Dr. J., an ISBE-approved professional development provider specializing in Restorative Justice, trauma-informed practices, and leadership development. As Convener of the Village Response Network, she brings together educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, faith communities, and advocates to strengthen the systems that support children, families, and communities. Through speaking, consulting, and community partnerships, Dr. Jones believes every story has the power to heal and every community has the capacity to respond.
Purple Path Family Reunion: Important Retreat Reminders & Upcoming Opportunities
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Dear Purple Path Village, We are getting closer to the 2026 Purple Path Annual Healing Retreat, and I am filled with gratitude and excitement as our village continues to grow! This year’s theme, From Healing to Legacy: Activating the Village, is more than a theme—it is a call to action. On Saturday, October 24, 2026, we will gather at the Tinley Park Convention Center from 10am - 6pm for a day rooted in: Belonging → Safety → Truth → Healing → Connection → Activation → Legacy This is not simply an event. It is a transformative experience designed for individuals, families, educators, helping professionals, community leaders, and anyone committed to healing themselves while helping restore our communities. Why This Work Matters Right NowPlease be on the lookout for Purple Path by Dr. J in the news as I continue speaking about the Annual Healing Retreat and why transformative experiences like this are necessary. The racial harm and community concerns surrounding Lincoln-Way East and Homewood-Flossmoor High Schools remind us that racial healing cannot remain a conversation we have only after an incident occurs. Racial harm is violence, and statements, discipline, and temporary outrage are not enough to repair it. Our young people need safe spaces to tell the truth about what they are experiencing. Families need tools to have honest conversations about race, identity, harm, accountability, and belonging. Schools and communities need meaningful opportunities to move beyond reaction and toward restoration. The Annual Healing Retreat creates space for that work. We are bringing people together across race, age, profession, community, and lived experience because healing happens in relationship—and legacy is built through what we choose to do next. See our recent news segment on Fox 32 Chicago. Join Our Remaining Virtual ActivationsOur free Pre-Retreat Virtual Activations allow us to begin building community before October 24. These conversations offer opportunities for reflection, connection, learning, and preparation for the retreat experience. Remaining activation dates at 7:00 p.m. CT:
Register once to receive access to the virtual activation series. Volunteer With UsIt takes a village to create an experience of this magnitude. We are seeking committed volunteers—our Village of Guides—to help us welcome, support, and care for attendees throughout the day. Volunteer shifts are available from 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and 2:00–8:00 p.m. Volunteers may also receive CEUs/CPDUs, participate in training, and attend our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in November. The volunteer application deadline is September 25, 2026. Order Your “Family Reunion” T-ShirtsThe Purple Path Annual Healing Retreat feels like a family reunion because that is exactly what we are building—a village rooted in healing, connection, accountability, joy, and legacy. Be sure to order your official “Family Reunion” T-shirt so you can represent the village with us on retreat day. Shirts are available in infant, youth, and adult sizes. Ordering information is available through the retreat page. Hotel AccommodationsTraveling from outside the area—or simply want to make the retreat a full weekend of rest, connection, and restoration? Discounted hotel booking information is available on the Annual Healing Retreat page. Please reserve your room by October 2, 2026, to access the retreat hotel block. Invite Your VillageIf you know someone who needs this experience, share the retreat with them. Invite your family, coworkers, school community, church family, neighbors, and friends. Healing was never meant to happen in isolation. This is our opportunity to move from trauma to healing—and from healing to legacy—together. Please save this email and continue checking your inbox for retreat announcements, media updates, preparation details, and important reminders. Because these messages are distributed through Kit, formerly ConvertKit, please also check your spam, junk, or promotions folders. I cannot wait to welcome you to our Purple Path Family Reunion! With love, gratitude, and anticipation, Dr. Shaniqua Jones Founder and CEO, Purple Path by Dr. J Restorative Justice Practitioner Expert Human Restoration Strategist™ IMPORTANT LINKS Annual Healing Retreat, Tickets, T-Shirts & Hotel Information https://purplepathbydrj.com/annual-healing-retreat/ Virtual Pre-Retreat Activations https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ks71c3DMSiC8W0zsrnECuA Volunteer Application—Purple Path Village of Guides https://bit.ly/PPVillageofGuides |
Purple Path By Dr. Shaniqua Jones
Dr. Shaniqua Jones is the Founder & CEO of Purple Path by Dr. J., an ISBE-approved professional development provider specializing in Restorative Justice, trauma-informed practices, and leadership development. As Convener of the Village Response Network, she brings together educators, clinicians, nonprofit leaders, faith communities, and advocates to strengthen the systems that support children, families, and communities. Through speaking, consulting, and community partnerships, Dr. Jones believes every story has the power to heal and every community has the capacity to respond.
Hello Purple Path Village, We still need a few more volunteers for our Annual Healing Retreat on Saturday, October 24! Even if you cannot commit to a full 8 a.m.–2 p.m. or 2–8 p.m. shift, we would love to know when you can help. Sign up to volunteer. You asked, and we delivered: our family reunion shirts are ready! Order yours today so we can get all orders in ASAP. There is still room for our community at the retreat: Ages 0–4: Free Ages 5–12: $30 Ages 13–17: $50 Ages 18+: $127 through...
Purple Path Family, We are officially 29 days away! On Saturday, October 24, we will gather for the Purple Path Annual Healing Retreat®: From Healing to Legacy: Activating the Village. I am grateful you will be in the room. GO REGISTER TODAY! Saturday, October 24, 2026 Tinley Park Convention Center 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park, IL 60477 Doors open at 9:00 AM | Retreat: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Come early. Check in, enjoy continental breakfast, explore the Village Marketplace, visit our...
Purple Path Village, There has been a lot happening. And with everything we are witnessing in our schools, organizations, communities, and everyday conversations, one question continues to surface: What does Restorative Justice actually look like in practice? I want to create space to answer that question. Registration is officially open for two virtual sessions of: Restorative Justice 101: From Practice to Infrastructure This is a 90-minute introductory professional development experience...