Restorative Justice

Respecting, repairing and restoring relationships

 

Restorative justice

• seeks to build community by providing a constructive framework to guide our responses to crime, conflict, offensive behavior, violations and injustices.
• values all people our criminal justice system, in our homes, schools, churches and workplaces.
• asks that harms be acknowledged, damages repaired, dignity established.
• offers hope of integration for all those who have experienced harm and alienation.
• actively includes the people impacted by crime - the offenders, their families, victims and communities.
• contributes to the common good of our society.

 

MCC Ontario's restorative justice work has a variety of faces:

Circles of Care

A new initiative in the Kitchener area designed to offer support to those who have experienced elder abuse. Small groups of volunteers from the faith community provide support and encouragement to enable an individual to move from an abusive environment and isolation towards safety and community.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Michelle Brenneman

Circles of Support and Accountability

The risk to re-offend and re-victimize is reduced when individuals who have been incarcerated for sexual offending and who are returning to the community are offered both support and the opportunity to be accountable. Small "circles" of volunteers in conjunction with MCC staff become new communities for men whose crimes have marginalized them from society.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Ed Vandenberg

Dismas Fellowship

Friday night is often the loneliest night of the week! Dismas, named after the good thief on the cross, is a fellowship/worshipping community for those who have been impacted by crime. This group co-sponsored with community chaplaincy and several local churches meets in Toronto and Hamilton:
Volunteers are needed. Contact Rick Pauw

Grand Valley Comforter Project

In conjunction with MCC's material resource program(link), this project brings volunteers from the community to inside Grand Valley Prison for Women. Together, federally sentenced women and volunteers create comforters to be used in international relief.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Jan Adams.

Hope Rising

Under the direction of Rick Pauw, this music group offers music and presentations that focus on redemption and grace.
Contact Rick Pauw

SMARRT

(the sexual misconduct and abuse response, resource team)
Provides resourcing and recommendations to Mennonite and Brethren In Christ churches as well as responding to allegations of boundary crossing and sexual misconduct by leadership within these churches.
Contact Eileen Henderson

Toronto Community Chaplaincy with Women

MCC Ontario has the opportunity of sponsoring chaplaincy work in Toronto for women who are returning to the community after incarceration.
Volunteers are needed. Contact Eileen Henderson