Please note: Office drop-in hours will be closed on Monday, 5/26.
History
The Burlington Community Justice Center (BCJC) was founded in 1998 with city, state, and federal support as part of Vermont’s statewide restorative justice initiative. In 2000, restorative justice became state policy, securing long-term support for Community Justice Centers. The BCJC moved offices several times: in 2002 to above City Market, in 2007 to 127 College Street, in 2011 to 179 South Winooski, and in 2015 to its current home at 200 Church Street. Director leadership included Mike Reilly (2000), Cara Gleason (2004), Karen Vastine (2007), Anneke Hohl (2015), and Rachel Jolly (2017).
Major Milestones
2004
Graffiti Response Teams and Restorative Panels begin and BCJC wins the national "Graffiti Hurts" award.
2006
Parallel Justice Program is created to support crime victims independently of the legal system.
2010
BCJC begins working with Burlington High School on restorative practices. BCJC volunteers win Governor's Award for Community Service.
2012
Retail Theft Awareness and Prevention (RTAP) class begins, serving hundreds annually. Clark Sheldon wins “Excellence in Advocacy” award for victim services.
2005
Youth Restorative Justice Panels are launched to engage young people in accountability processes.
2011
Parallel Justice receives international recognition for excellence from the IACP.
2013
BCJC celebrates its 15th anniversary and launches the Ken Schatz Award for restorative justice leadership.
2016
Burlington receives a $40,000 federal Justice Assistance Grant to support the CJC. Vermont recognizes 1,000 restorative justice volunteers statewide.
2017
Burlington School District launches district-wide restorative practices with BCJC support.
2018
Rain Banbury wins Community Victim Advocate of the Year award. “Share the Road” PSA is produced following a restorative panel case.
2020
Following George Floyd’s murder, BCJC begins exploring anti-racist transformation.
2022
BCJC pilots and formalizes a DUI Diversion Program in partnership with the State’s Attorney’s Office.
2024
BCJC releases its first Annual Report as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, community accountability, and data-informed practice.
2019
BCJC and VT Center for Crime Victim Services release the first “Parallel Justice Implementation Guide” in the U.S. BCJC expands significantly after being awarded the Court Diversion and Pretrial Services contract for Chittenden County.
2021
St. Joseph’s Orphanage Restorative Inquiry helps pass S.99, repealing statute of limitations on childhood physical abuse. Survivors receive the Survivor/Activist award; facilitator Marc Wennberg receives the Ally award.
2023
BCJC releases its Final Equity Assessment Report with recommendations for organizational change.