Michelle Ellen Joins the Restorative Justice Project Team

AmeriCorps*VISTA has extended its funding support of the Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast (RJP)  for the fourth consecutive year  which enables Michelle Ellen, to work on RJP’s adolescent programs.

“We see the continued funding as a strong endorsement of our programs by AmeriCorps*VISTA,” said Margaret Micolichek, Executive Director of the Restorative Justice Project of Midcoast, adding, “Michelle’s experience, skills and enthusiasm for our mission will be a strong boost for our programs in the region.”

“AmeriCorps*VISTA’s primary goal is to eliminate poverty.  I see Restorative Justice as a very good way for me to contribute to the achievement of this goal,” said Michelle Ellen.

Michelle’s primary focus will be to work with law enforcement, juvenile community corrections officers, schools, and the community at large to encourage the use of Restorative Justice programs and principles with young adults.  She will also co-lead the Community Resolution Team program, training and supporting facilitators and mentors and work with the Restorative Practices Collaborative of Maine.

Additional duties include: supporting volunteer recruitment and training; working with the Governor’s Children Cabinet to increase high school graduation rates and reduce high school detention rates and decrease juvenile confinement. Importantly, Michelle plans to achieve her long term goals by “building capacity”…developing resources and programs that will sustain her work after her one year assignment is over.  

A former juvenile detention officer, Michelle comes to the RJP having experienced the inadequacies of incarceration as a model for effective change.  She describes her vision by saying:  “The current system leads offenders to blame everyone for their situation…police officers, judges, probation officers…everyone but themselves.  As a result, healing is unlikely to occur.  With Restorative Justice, offenders learn to admit their mistakes, speak honestly with the person they harmed, and work to correct harm done to the community.  This healing process makes it much more likely that the offender will become a contributing and productive member of their community.”  

 The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast is very fortunate to have Michelle on our team.