Amanda Gardner, a BS in Justice Studies major at the UMA Rockland Center has been named a 2020 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow. Her nomination indicates that leaders at UMA value her work to address public problems and recognize her potential as a civic leader.

Gardner has shown a passion for working with vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system. She volunteers with the Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project, which helps low income families in Maine with legal issues, and provides free legal information, assistance, and representation.

Gardner has also started a weekly mentoring program with female inmates at the Knox County Jail and she helped open Ruth's Haven, a re-entry program for individuals who have been released from jail or prison  with addictions.

Through all of her work, Ms. Gardner seeks to provide a safe environment for people to live and receive support as they transition back into the community. Gardner hopes to build on all of this work through networking and resources in her role as a Newman Civic Fellow.

Garner is a junior at UMA Rockland with an expected graduation in May of 2021.