Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center

09/02/2026

Motel vouchers will no longer be available after-hours through Vermont 211 as the state rolls out other changes aimed at restructuring homelessness response.

08/28/2026

Stable housing gives people room to focus on everything else.

Through HCRJC’s Transitional Housing Program, residents have an affordable place to live while working toward greater stability and permanent housing. Our staff provide individualized support with employment, finances, accessing community resources, navigating housing options, and the everyday challenges that come with periods of transition.

Housing is a significant need across our community, and we’re grateful to be able to provide both a home and support to the people who live with us.

08/21/2026

Lawmakers voted to revise the state’s strict three-year filing deadline, which blocked innocent people from seeking new trials even with new evidence.

08/19/2026

What does it mean to serve on a reparative panel?

Reparative panels bring together people who have caused harm with trained community volunteers to talk about what happened, who was impacted, and what accountability can look like. Together, they identify meaningful steps to repair harm, make things right where possible, and move forward.

In this video, Holly Kania shares what it is like to serve as a reparative panel volunteer, what happens during the process, and why this work means so much to her.

Our panels are powered by community members like Holly. You do not need experience in restorative justice to volunteer. We provide the training and support you need to get started.

If you care about your community, believe in accountability, and want to play a direct role in helping people repair harm and move forward, consider joining us.

Learn more and become a volunteer at hartfordjusticecenter.org/volunteer

08/13/2026

The door is open every Friday morning from 8:30 to 11am at our office in White River Junction, and the coffee is ready.

Open Door Fridays is a time to ask questions about the reentry process, learn how restorative justice works in Hartford, explore volunteer opportunities, or talk through what support might look like if you or someone you know has been impacted by harm.

Restorative justice can feel unfamiliar until you see it up close. These mornings are meant to make that visible and accessible to anyone who is curious.

08/06/2026

The Carpenter Shop from Adult & Teen Challenge are here selling the cutting boards that support their addiction recovery program. The cutting boards are made by their residents as part of their vocational training.

They’ll be here until 6pm!

08/05/2026

Mary puts it best: “You don’t need a fancy résumé or years of direct experience to join us in the work at HCRJC. You just need to be able to relate to people and feel comfortable building relationships.”

Community accountability means helping people understand the impact of their actions, take responsibility, and follow through on meaningful steps to repair harm. Volunteers support that process by listening, asking thoughtful questions, offering a community perspective, and building relationships grounded in empathy and respect.

Volunteers may serve on Reparative Panels, join a Circle of Support and Accountability to support someone returning to the community after incarceration, or help with other community conversations and activities. HCRJC provides training and ongoing staff support.

Interested in getting involved? Visit hartfordjusticecenter.org/volunteer⁠ to learn more!

A special thank you to Northern Stage - Theater for generously welcoming us into their space to film this video!

08/04/2026

08/02/2026

Need to call a landlord? A potential employer? A doctor's office? A crisis line? Most of us reach for our pocket without thinking. For someone without reliable access to a phone, those everyday calls can become major obstacles. 🚧

That's why several organizations in the Upper Valley now offer free public phones that anyone can use for outgoing calls. Because sometimes, 1 phone call is all it takes. 💚

📞 Find a phone:
Listen Community Services (Lebanon, NH)
Lebanon Public Library (Lebanon, NH)
Kilton Public Library (West Lebanon, NH)
Upper Valley Haven Community Food Market (White River Junction, VT)

Photo credit: Jennifer Hauck, Valley News

hcrs.org

08/01/2026

In Hartford, restorative justice is carried out by community members who choose to be involved.

Volunteers support Reparative Panels for court-referred cases, take part in Circles of Peace that address harm in domestic violence situations, and join Circles of Support and Accountability to walk alongside people returning home after incarceration. Volunteers also help ensure that victims of harm have space to be heard, supported, and included in the process of accountability and repair. Others contribute through community events, outreach, and behind-the-scenes support that keeps this work moving.

These guided processes strengthen accountability, center those who have been harmed, and support safer outcomes for people in our town. The impact stays here because the people involved are our neighbors.

You do not need a background in the justice system or social work. Training is provided. What matters most is a willingness to listen, be fair, and show up in a way that fits you.

Learn more and sign up at hartfordjusticecenter.org/volunteer or call (802) 291-7173.