On June 26 we heard from Town Manager Erik Wells about upcoming changes to the administration of Community Justice Centers in Vermont. Recent state legislation is moving the administration and funding of the program from the Dept. of Corrections to the State Attorney General's office. For the centers located in Chittenden County, there will be a consolidation of administration in Burlington, forming a hub and spoke model. Erik Wells and the municipal leaders of South Burlington and Essex form an advisory committee helping to shape the transition that will take place over a couple of years. Williston's center will remain located in our community to best ensure the goals of the program.
Restorative Justice Specialist Mandy Ferland of Williston's CJC spoke about the work of our local center, which supports Williston, Hinesburg, Bolton, Richmond, Huntington, and St. George. Our club's recent cash grant to the organization allowed for the purchase of bus passes and bags of food and other necessities for people experiencing homelessness and other challenges. She noted that currently 14 trained volunteers serve on restorative justice panels and that they are actively seeking more volunteers from the community.
To learn more and/or donate to the Williston Community Justice Center, visit: https://willistonjustice.org/
To see and hear the Erik and Mandy's talk with our Rotary club, go to: https://youtu.be/4_azNo3oX2I