Who We Are

Communities Served: A Collective Effort

C4RJ is currently active in the communities of Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Cambridge, Carlisle, Concord, Groton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Newton, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and Winchester.

Notice we didn’t use the word “towns.” There’s something about the term “community” that better reflects where restorative justice finds its home. Victims and offenders don’t live in isolation or in some confined municipal area. They’re active, connected parts of our communities. They attend school, work, and play in our neighborhoods. Indeed, they are us. So when it comes to a crime that disrupts the life of a victim, offender and loved ones, a community is also affected. Those who know about the crime may feel less safe. Neighbors could begin to look on each other with suspicion. People start to adapt their routines — double-checking for locked doors, for example — knowing that a crime took place nearby. At C4RJ, the community is an essential part of the process of accountability and repair.

At C4RJ, we engage the community in several ways:

• When we are first invited by a police department to explore expanding service, we meet with community leaders to seek support for our work and advice about the character and needs of their community.
• We meet with school administrators, Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and clergy groups to introduce our work.
• We seek community representation on the volunteer teams, committees and board.
• Offenders who are referred to C4RJ often commit to community service hours at a variety of nonprofit agencies, an act that builds up a community after harm.

If you are interested in exploring whether your community may benefit from restorative justice, click here.