By Eli Plenk | Program Manager
Dear Donor,
The last three months have been an exciting time for justice reform in the Commonwealth! With greater legislative momentum around restorative justice than ever before, OurRJ has been hard at work in Greater Lowell. But we could not do this work without your support! Thanks to you, we have:
OurRJ's developmentally-responsive, high support, high accountability restorative model provides youth and the supportive adults in their lives with skills for healing and growth. Just as importantly, circles provide a non-hierarchical space for families to interact with systems, institutions, and service providers, providing an opportunity for agency in developing long-term plans.
Your support is allowing us to work with young people like James. When James was caught in a car that had been reported stolen, he was referred to OurRJ instead of participating in a traditional court process. Although initially ambivalent about participating in a restorative justice process, it quickly became clear that at the root of that indifference was the fact that James was struggling in school and was hesitant to trust yet another new group of adults.
Through the circle process, OurRJ was able to help support James as he made the transition from his old high school to a new alternative school, including meeting in circle with faculty and staff from his new school. A new reparative agreement was developed, which included steps to ensure success in school. To the surprise of many of the adults in his life, James almost immediately began thriving in his new school and took responsibility for his actions involving the car.
OurRJ's Program Manager Eli Plenk noted the growth in James after a few months of participating in the restorative process. "There was a real shift in him. It was clear to everyone that James was more engaged, happier, and willing to play an active role in the restorative process. James committed to taking school seriously and he did."
Plenk went on to state how, "...the process has helped demonstrate to James that there are people that care about him, who want him to be successful. The restorative process also enabled his family to find a new school environment that was a better fit for James.
Now more than ever, Massachusetts must stand as a national leader in alternatives to punitive justice. A donation to OurRJ not only helps keep youth in school and out of court, but also supports efforts to bring the transformative power of restorative justice to more communities in the Commonwealth. On behalf of young people like James, OurRJ is deeply appreciative of your support.
Sincerely,
The OurRJ Team
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