The Montpelier Community Justice Center (MCJC) is dedicated to ensuring that the people we serve have the resources they need to resolve conflicts and promote problem solving in creative ways that encourage feelings of fairness, safety, and inclusion.
The MCJC is a department of the City of Montpelier. With a staff of three and more than 60 volunteers, we serve the communities of Montpelier, Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier, Fayston, Middlesex, Northfield, Roxbury, Waitsfield, Warren, Waterbury, and Worcester, Vermont.
We recognize the potential for citizens to live in harmony with their neighbors and contribute to the civility and wellbeing of the community. To help realize that potential, the MCJC operates programs and provides services that build and support our community’s capacity to be accountable to one another and respond to destructive behavior in ways that help repair harm.
Programs and Services
Restorative Victim Services
We offer community-based emotional support and resource navigation to victims of property crimes, in the immediate aftermath of the event. Victims are invited to participate in all restorative justice programs to the extent that they feel comfortable.
Restorative Justice Programs
Restorative justice programs allow for direct community involvement in the resolution of criminal offenses through participation in Restorative Justice Panels, restorative conferences and/or restorative circles. People directly affected by a crime have an opportunity to participate in a justice process where they can articulate their needs, ask questions, seek restorative actions and receive support from their community. Those responsible for a crime can learn about the harm, make amends, and build a positive connection with their community.
Restorative Reentry Programs
These programs enhance community safety as people return to their communities from prison. Services offered include facilitating dialogue between inmates and family to promote healing and reintegration and the opportunity to learn new skills and make amends.
Those who have committed serious offenses may join a Circle of Support and Accountability (COSA), a personalized network of community members who volunteer their time to support the person’s actions as he or she builds a crime-free life.
Community Conflict Assistance
This program facilitates dialogue related to neighborhood and community issues. Professional mediation services help community members talk about and find solutions to their conflicts, which may involve such issues as noise, pets, boundaries, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Additional Offerings
Insights Into Conflict classes
These classes teach community members the skills to resolve conflict peacefully.
Parenting With Respect classes
For fathers who have been incarcerated or investigated by DCF, these classes promote child-centered parenting.
Community forums
Various forums are offered on topics related to justice and community civility.
Support for initiatives
We work to help embed restorative practices in city government, schools and other civic organizations.
Volunteer Opportunities
The MCJC is always looking for volunteers to participate in the following programs:
- Circles of Support and Accountability (COSAs) to work directly with people as they transition from prison back into our community
- Restorative Justice Panels to conduct structured problem-solving meetings with persons responsible for and affected by a crime
- Citizen Advisory Board to work with representatives from city government, police, and Probation and Parole to plan and implement the direction of the center
To get involved and for more information, please contact us at (802) 223-9606 or mcjc@montpelier-vt.org.