Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) is a community based non-profit organization that strives to build a safer, more connected community by supporting creative, peaceful solutions in situations of conflict or harm. Our organization works using Restorative Justice principles – a way of approaching wrongdoing by addressing the needs of the victim, holding the offender accountable and including the broader community in the process. Our programs are made possible through the over 200 volunteers that provide a majority of our frontline services as well as through donations and individual/ public support.
BackHome Rec Night is a program of Community Justice Initiatives that supports healthy and safe reintegration of youth leaving custody facilities in the Waterloo Region. Rec Night programming is organized and facilitated by BackHome within the youth custody facilities three evenings per week at both Ray of Hope as well as Lutherwood. Through these program activities, volunteers and youth build relationships which can then be continued in the community once the youth is released from custody. This is done in the form of a Circle. BackHome Circles is an innovative model that is modeled on CJI’s Stride program, which has been working with federally-sentenced women for over 14 years. Restorative Justice is at the heart of everything we do.
Volunteers are required to make a one day a week commitment for a minimum of one year. Additionally, we are currently looking for more male volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact volunteeer coordinator Peggy LaFlamme, at peggyl@cjiwr.com
Volunteers Needed - BackHome Rec Night Program
