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​ANNOUNCEMENT- COVID 19 & RJP Maine


​​Friends ~

In this unsettled time, as COVID-19 makes its presence known in Maine, we at the Restorative Justice Project Maine send sentiments of health and well-being to each of you and to your family and friends.  It is in unsettled times that the true mettle of individuals and communities is proven.  In the words of educator Kurt Hahn, “there is more in us than we know and, if we can be helped to see it, perhaps never again will we be willing to settle for anything less.”  We can pull together, support one another and be discerning in our actions.  We can acknowledge that we are together in spirit, even if it is not prudent to gather in person in the ways in which we are accustomed.
 
Since the true reach and implications of this pandemic are as of yet uncertain, we wanted to write and clarify our organizational position:  Following the lead of Governor Mills who, just yesterday, issued a State of Civil Emergency for Maine - and in consult with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Judiciary Branch - effective immediately, the Restorative Justice Project Maine will close both the Belfast and Bath offices through April 5th.  We will also suspend facilitation of:
  • Restorative justice processes
  • Trainings
  • Volunteer meetings – including 1:1 in-person mentoring
  • Classes (Please note that we have just learned that RJP staff /mentors /volunteers are not allowed in the Reentry Center for a minimum of 2 weeks.)
  • Public gatherings
Staff will be working from home.  County coordinators will retain their usual hours and compensation while being asked to limit meetings to phone and Internet-based communication.  We are aware that this position is likely to evolve over time but – as we so often say in the office – clear is kind.
 
Those individuals whom have already participated in a restorative process and whom are at work on reparative agreements are asked to maintain contact with RJP Maine volunteers via telephone during this time.  Make whatever progress you can while refraining from contact with community service agencies, etc.; and, rest assured that we will work with the parties involved, and with the referring source, to ensure that time is provided so that reparative agreements can be fulfilled when it is safe to do so!
 
It is important to us at RJP Maine that we continue to facilitate connection and honor the needs of community during this unusual time.  We are excited to pilot ‘on-line circles’ and to offer opportunities for other chances to ‘stay together’ that honor the CDC guidelines. Please keep an eye on our social media relating to such opportunities, and feel free to share ideas you may have about how we can creatively stay connected. 
 
We at RJP Maine encourage you to be kind to yourselves and to those closest to you.  Ask for what you need.  Find thoughtful ways to brighten someone’s day, if even from afar.  Nourish yourself, as it would seem that weathering this pandemic will require patience, care and creative connectedness from each of us.  We are only a phone call away.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our executive director, Kathy (Kathy@rjpmidcoast.org) with any questions. 

With gratitude and affection,
The RJP Team
Restorative Justice Project Maine
P.O. Box 141         
39A Spring Street
Belfast, ME 04915
207.338.2742
© 2020 by the 
Restorative Justice Project Maine 
All rights reserved.
  

The Restorative Justice Project Maine is a US 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.