The Community Restorative Justice Center, Inc.

08/01/2026

Restorative justice isn't just something that happens, it takes community and everyone in it to make it work. Kudos to this landlord.

One of our tenants has been struggling to make rent on the 1st and the 15th.

Instead of giving her a hard time, I asked her to send me her résumé so I can help her find one consistent, full-time job instead of juggling two part-time jobs with unpredictable hours.

Because here’s what I believe: community means we don’t just collect from each other, we show up for each other.

We aren’t lowering standards. Rent is still due. Accountability still matters. But support and accountability can exist together.

We build stronger communities when we stop treating people like transactions and start treating them like neighbors.

That’s the kind of landlord we want to be.

01/29/2026

The Community Restorative Justice Center (CRJC), located in St. Johnsbury, is seeking volunteers to serve on Circles of Support and Accountability, also known as COSA. Our Reentry Program, through COSA, works with individuals who have significant ties to Caledonia and southern Essex communities; who have committed serious offenses; and who are being released from incarceration.

Participants, called core members, take part in a weekly meeting with a COSA group of trained community members. COSA supports core members to cultivate safe and healthy decision-making, take accountability for past and present behaviors and make amends when possible, offer support for recovery and healthy emotional growth, and reconnect with their community. It has been shown that individuals who take part in a COSA are statistically less likely to reoffend. COSA circles empower core members to establish interdependent relationships in a supportive environment to reduce the risk of re-offense and increase safety for victims and community members.

To become a COSA volunteer, you may apply through the CRJC’s Reentry Coordinator who can walk you through the steps of application and training. Once trained, volunteers may join a COSA team once referrals are received. COSA meets once a week for an hour for up to a year. In addition to the weekly meetings, volunteers may choose to take part in informal events or activities in the community with the core member. All volunteers receive ongoing support and training from the Reentry Coordinator. Volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to apply. BIPOC, individuals with disabilities, LBGTQ+ applicants, individuals with lived experience, and people from other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be vetted and approved by the Dept. of Corrections and the Justice Center.

If you would like to learn more or apply to be a volunteer, please contact Susan Russell at The Community Restorative Justice Center, Inc. Phone: 802-745-1363 or by email to: [email protected]