Program areas at Community Justice and Mediation Center
Restorative Justice: CJAM provided restorative processes to 101 clients (youths, adults and family members) through the Victim and Offender Restoration Program (VORP) and Shoplifting and Theft Education Program (STEP). Both programs provide education, accountability, and reflection aimed at reducing harms caused through crimes which is shown to reduce recidivism. In VORP, CJAM works with clients (offenders) and their victims. 65 clients were served and 70% of offenders successfully completed the program. STEP targets first-time offenders who have been charged with theft or shoplifting. 35 individuals were served and 87% successfully completed the program. Clients are primarily referred by the Monroe County (MC) Prosecutor's office, and the MC Probation Department.
Community Voices for Health: This public engagement project was launched in 2020 in partnership with Bloomington Health Foundation and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, addresses health inequities by connecting under served communities with health policy and decision makers to promote more equitable decision-making. In September 2022 Robert Wood Johnson awarded CJAM an additional $350,000 for core support through September 2023, enabling CJAM to continue its Community Voices for Health initiatives and strengthen. Key activities included the publication of a "Report to the Community," ongoing work with the state-wide Partners Council to share results and promote engagement, and the establishment of the Monroe County Health Equity Council, dedicated to reducing health disparities and influencing local health policy. The funding also allowed CJAM to retain two staff members to enhance community engagement, volunteer involvement, fundraising, and communications.
Mediation: CJAM provided free or very low-cost mediation services to 1201 clients in the following areas: conflicts involving landlords-tenants, neighbors/hoods, families, roommates, organizational/workplace disputes, and consumer/contractual issues. Trained CJAM volunteer mediators worked to provide safe spaces to facilitate constructive conversations. They help parties in reaching agreements which best meet individual needs. CJAM also provided mediation each week during small claims and eviction court (583 cases). 83% of all mediated cases reached agreement. In addition, CJAM provided conflict coaching and referrals (530), and trainings and facilitation (211 attendees). CJAM continued to work closely with Monroe County courts and the Eviction Prevention Porject to provide mediation services each week during eviction and small claims courts