Our Mission
The BFDI Training Institute's mission is, "•To strengthen and sustain homes, schools, and communities through professional development trainings that repair harm, restore relationships and build civil societies." Our work is dedicated to trainings that engage, impact and transform the way we think; the way we feel and the way we communicate.BFDI Training Institute is a L3C and subsidiary of Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI).
Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI) is a private, non-profit comprehensive family counseling agency that was created in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW). BFDI's vision is, “To be the self-sufficient premier provider of comprehensive family counseling services to children, youth, and families - the pacesetter for quality, innovative services and training with national recognition.” The BFDI Training Institute was born to fulfill the vision to be a premiere training institute with national recognition. As such, BFDI Training Institute is the only affiliate partner with the International Institute of Restorative Practices (IIRP) in the United States.
As a premiere provider of Basic Restorative Practices, the BFDI Training Institute has eleven licensed trainers.
STATEMENT OF EQUITY
BFDI believes in the value and morality of inclusion and believes that as human beings our fates are inextricable: “ I am because We are”. As an active participant and supporter of the work of Policy Link, BFDI has adopted the definition of Equity as defined by Policy Link. “ Equity is just and fair inclusion into a society in which all participate, prosper and reach their full potential. Unlocking the promise of the nation by unleashing the promise in us all “.
9 CORE COMMITMENTS
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Increasing school-to-career pathways
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Improving relationships between those in positions of authority and the people they serve
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Repairing harm and restoring relationships
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Restoring justice
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Improving neighborhood safety
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Expanding positive youth development
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Improving support to families
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Building community capacity
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Improving the life outcomes of boys and young men of color
Our executive director
Keisha n. allen
Master Licensed Professional Development Trainer
& Communications Specialist
Keisha N. Allen is the Executive Director of BFDI Training Institute and a Master Licensed Professional Development Trainer. She has been integral in training thousands of organizational leaders, educators, justice practitioners, parents and youth in the emerging social science of restorative practices and restorative justice. Her focus has been to positively impact and transform environments that create significant paradigm shifts in how we engage and interact with each other. Most of her trainings are about educating adults on how to shift from punitive learning environments to restorative learning environments that propel youth in school to career pathways. Keisha received her Master’s degree in Restorative Practices from the International Institute of Restorative Practices.
As a sought after trainer, Keisha has been able to facilitate ongoing partnerships with organizations such as My Brother’s Keeper (MBK), Wayne RESA, Detroit Public Schools Community District, Plymouth/Canton School District, Henrico County Virginia School District, and more. Additionally, she has trained individuals from organizations such as the Detroit Crime Commission, the Detroit Police Department, Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, StarrVista, and a host of others. She was a leader in ensuring 125 of Detroit’s youth were educated in restorative practices in order to make an impact in their homes, schools, communities and health and wellness.
Keisha is also a sought after national speaker for churches and national conferences. She is an ordained minister and Ministry of Helps Consultant. She believes that with God all things are possible to them that believe.
Keisha is the wife of 20 years to Paul ‘pda’ Allen and mother to the beautiful, four year old, Kendall Jordan Allen
Education:
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Master of Science, Restorative Practices, IIRP
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Bachelor of Arts, Communication, Wayne State University