Barb Hayes

Center for Community Justice

CCJ serves Elkhart County by providing programs, based on the principles of Restorative Justice, which strengthen community safety, provide support and compensation for victims, aid in the restoration of offenders, and promote reconciliation among victims, offenders and the community. CCJ originated with two of its largest programs – Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) in 1977 and the Community Service Restitution Program (CSRP) 1979. VORP joined a regional organization called Prisoners and Community Together (PACT) in 1979, and Elkhart County PACT was born. In 1984, the two programs discontinued their association with PACT and CCJ, Inc. was created. In 1986, CCJ was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. CCJ's mission is to promote and operate effective community-based services for victims, offenders and the community. These services strengthen community safety, provide support and compensation for victims, aid restoration of offenders and promote reconciliation among victims, offenders, and the community. Over the years, CCJ has introduced other restorative justice programs. CCJ started and has offered the following programs: Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (1977); Community Service Restitution Program (1979); Victim Impact Panel (1993); Community Mediation Program (1999); Student Suspension Program (2005); Family Mediation Program (2008); and Thinking for a Change Classes (2010).