Community Justice Ministries
Celebrating 27 Years in Alberta!
- WHAT IS CJM?
Community Justice Ministries (CJM) is a group of ministries under the auspices of Mennonite Central Committee Alberta (MCCA). We work in conjunction with volunteers and churches of various denominations to provide an opportunity for individuals to bring healing and restoration to the community, particularly to those whose lives have been directly affected by crime.
Staff members work with volunteers to train and support them as they visit and form friendships with those in federal prisons. Friendships and encouragement are also extended to former prisoners as they integrate into the community.
- HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS?
We have a variety of programs across Alberta, including:
M2/W2 (Man-to-man, Woman-to- Woman): Volunteers make monthly visits to form one-on-one relationships with federally sentenced offenders in Bowden, Drumheller and Edmonton Institutions.
Community Chaplaincy: Churches and individual volunteers participate with the Community Chaplain to offer support to ex-prisoners in the Calgary community.
Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) : Groups of four to seven volunteers enter into a covenant relationship of mutual encouragement and accountability with released high-risk offenders for the benefit of the community and the ex-offender.
Victim Support: We are able to assist victims of crime with resources available through MCC.
- WHO SUPPORTS CJM?
We receive donations from churches and individuals, as well as some government grants from the Correctional Service of Canada for CoSA and Community Chaplaincy.
- WHAT IS MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE?
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is a Christian relief, service, community development and peace organization with approximately 1,000 workers serving in over 56 countries. MCC was founded by Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in Canada and the United States.
The mission of MCC is to demonstrate God’s love by working among people suffering from poverty, conflict, oppression and natural disaster. MCC strives for peace, justice and dignity of all people by building healthy relationships, sharing experiences, resources, and faith in Jesus Christ.
- WHAT IS CJM’S APPROACH TO JUSTICE?
We believe that true justice is restorative rather than retributive. This means that, when a crime occurs, it affects the victim, the offender, and the entire community. Therefore, we all need to be involved in seeking creative and personal ways to transform pain and heal wounds.
From various sources, we learn that
restorative justice seeks to:
- focus on the harms of wrongdoing more than on the rules that have been broken;
- show concern and commitment to victims and offenders, involving both in the process of justice;
- work toward the restoration of victims, empowering them and responding to their needs as seen by them;
- support offenders while encouraging them to understand, accept and carry out their obligations;
- recognize that while obligations may be difficult for offenders, they should not be intended as harms and they must be achievable;
- provide opportunities for dialogue – direct or indirect – between victims and offenders as appropriate;
- involve and empower the affected community through the justice process, and increase its capacity to recognize and respond to community causes of crime;
- encourage collaboration and reintegration rather than coercion and isolation; and
- show respect to all parties including victims, offenders and justice colleagues.
- WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?
Restorative justice is not an easy way out. It requires ongoing passion, commitment, determination, knowledge, and community and justice system partnerships. These contribute to working toward empathy, forgiveness and healing.
All parties involved must be willing to actively engage in this process.
There are times when people need to be incarcerated for the protection of the community. Prisoners should be provided with programs and opportunities to accept responsibility for their actions and to acquire skills to function in society.
The relationships that our volunteers make with present and former prisoners can provide them with a sense of care and hope, as well as a model of a wholesome approach to life.
- HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH THE WORK OF CJM?
We have opportunities for volunteers in all our ministries, as well as administration and Advisory Committee involvement.
We can only move forward with your prayers, participation, and financial support.
To learn more about CJM and how you can make a difference with us, please contact:
Community Justice Ministries
Mennonite Central Committee Alberta
#210 2946 - 32 St NE Calgary, AB
(403) 275-6935
(toll free) 1-888-622-6337
