Crime causes people to feel alone and unsafe. It hurts relationships between family, friends and neighbors. Property is damaged, trust is broken and everyday life is disrupted for the victim, the offender and the people around them. Whether or not there is a specific affected party, the community is ultimately affected as people not directly involved in a crime often feel the impact of fear and negativity.

The Burlington Community Justice Center (CJC) helps the community repair the damage caused by crime and conflict through restorative justice programs. Restorative Justice elevates the position of victims and the community in the justice process and allows for direct participation of community members in responding to the impacts of crime.

At the CJC, the Community of Burlington works to rebuild the trust destroyed by crime by focusing on the wisdom of the people who are impacted most. Volunteers of the CJC do everything from fixing broken windows, to meeting with people who have committed a crime, to cleaning graffiti, to providing support and information to Victims.

The CJC provides a venue for victims to be heard and get their needs met. It also helps offenders to repair the harm they caused and to make better choices in the future.

The Community Justice Center represents the heart of a community passionately committed to mending the fabric of human relationships, and to the concept of 'neighbor.'

The CJC is a driving force in creating a forum where all citizens are welcome to express their vision of a safe and just community, and in providing real opportunities for citizens of diverse backgrounds to work together to realize their visions.