Our Programs

The volunteers of the Newport Community Justice Center work in several major program areas:

Reparative Board: Volunteer panels of four to five work with “responsible parties” under probation or pre-charge case referrals to understand the harm that has been done, reach a “Restorative Agreement” for repair, and complete the terms of that Agreement, ideally with direct victim participation in the process. (School discipline referrals, either direct or through a Pre-Charge route, can be handled by the Reparative Board.)

Prisoner Reentry--Circles of Support and Accountability: Circles of at least three volunteers and one NCJC Staff person “walk with” an offender leaving prison to achieve a successful integration into society, including no re-offense and a constructive role for the former offender.

Incarceration Avoidance: Volunteers and staff provide mentoring and outreach services ranging from referrals (e.g., to Vocational Rehabilitation or Community High School of Vermont) to educational support, assisting reentering offenders or persons at risk of incarceration.

Mediation: Volunteers and staff can in some cases (not involving domestic violence) provide mediation services to resolve conflicts between neighbors, between tenants and landlords, and in other situations in the community.

Community Forums: The Center has a commitment to hosting occasional community forums on topics of interest and/or controversy. Forum topics in the past have included sexual violence, elder abuse, and underage drinking.

Other volunteer opportunities exist serving on the Center’s Citizen Advisory Board, in a variety of linked public service settings (Newport Community Garden, Habitat for Humanity, etc.), and in other activities. To volunteer or learn more about these and other programs, contact the Center at 222 Main Street in Newport.