The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast (RJP) is seeking stable, compassionate, and resourceful volunteers to become mentors. Mentors provide guidance to juveniles and adults who are taking responsibility for causing harm by participating in our Community Resolution Program, or Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center residents seeking healthy re-integration into the community.

If you are interested in mentoring,  consider signing up for the next RJP training series, to be held at the First Baptist Church, located at 95 High Street in Belfast.

The first session, which doubles as an informational session, will be held on Thursday, March 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. A light supper will be provided. If interested in completing the training, the rest of the meetings will take place on the following four Thursday evenings, March 22 and 29, and April 5 and 12 from 5:30  to 8 p.m.

Mentors come from a wide range of backgrounds. They include teachers, mental health professionals, lobstermen, carpenters, lawyers, pastors, and community activists.

One past training participant said: “The entire experience was eye-opening. The passion of the presenters was obvious and infectious.” Another said, “It has renewed my spirit.”

To register for the sessions,  contact Hanlon Kelley at 338-2742, ext. 101, or e-mail hanlon@rjpmidcoast.org. 

The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast is a nonprofit organization that promotes fundamental change in the justice system and schools. The responses to crime and wrongdoing seek renewal and safety for the community, support and healing for victims, and accountability and reintegration of the offender. To learn more about the Restorative Justice Project, visit www.rjpmidcoast.org.