The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast (RJP) is offering a free training for volunteers interested in mentoring young people involved in the criminal justice system. An informational session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at the Grace Episcopal Church in Bath (1100 Washington St., Bath). The session will begin with a light supper provided by RJP. If you like what you hear at the info session, we invite you to complete the training by attending three more sessions: Jan. 26, Feb. 2 and Feb. 9, also 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church in Bath.

The mission of the Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast is to promote fundamental change in the way the community deals with crime and wrongdoing. RJP believes that when a crime or wrongdoing takes place, addressing the harm to the community and individual relationships is paramount. RJP works with communities to rebuild trust and sense of safety. The restorative justice approach emphasizes responsibility and restitution rather than punishment.

Mentoring and restorative processes are at the heart of RJP’s work. Caring relationships with mentors help offenders to sustain motivation and build self-esteem, as well as encouraging the development of new behaviors and attitudes. “As a mentor, what has meant the most is finding that I fairly easily can have a positive effect in another person's life when they need it so badly” says a Waldo County mentor.

Formed in February of 2005, the work of RJP has resulted in significantly decreased recidivism, healing of victims, and transformed lives. RJP is supported by a widespread partnership that includes law enforcement, probation, the District Attorney's office, local congregations, numerous social service agencies, and community volunteers. To register for the free sessions, contact RJP’s Restorative Services Coordinator, Nadejda Stancioff, at (207) 975-9723, or email nadejda@rjpmidcoast.org.