Who We Are

The Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center (HCRJC) is a trusted community anchor in the Upper Valley, working at the intersection of accountability, healing, and public safety. We provide real alternatives to the traditional justice system by helping people take responsibility for harm, make amends in meaningful ways, and rebuild their place in the community. Our work is rooted in the belief that justice should repair, not just punish, and that people impacted by harm deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered.

Originally established in 2003, HCRJC is one of 17 community justice centers operating across Vermont. We were created to serve as a bridge between community needs and the formal justice system. Our programs offer a path for individuals to avoid court involvement and instead address harm through structured dialogue, community-led accountability plans, and support services. Over the years, we have grown into a respected presence throughout Hartford and neighboring towns, known for offering a compassionate and principled approach to conflict and reentry.

Every year, our programs support dozens of individuals referred by local law enforcement, the Department of Corrections, and community members. Through restorative panels, reentry circles, transitional housing, and mediation, we reduce recidivism, build safer neighborhoods, and help people find the stability they need to move forward. In 2022, we expanded our reach by opening a transitional housing site on Maple Street, creating a welcoming space for returning residents navigating their reentry journeys.

Our approach is personal, practical, and deeply community-based. We work closely with trained volunteers, local service providers, and impacted families to ensure that accountability is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, we support each participant in making real, measurable progress. This includes repairing relationships, building skills, and restoring trust. Whether someone is facing their first offense or coming home after incarceration, we meet them with care, clarity, and the tools they need to succeed.

At HCRJC, we believe justice belongs to the community. When communities are given the chance to lead, real healing becomes possible.

Our History

• 2003
  Hartford Community Restorative Justice Center is established as part of Vermont’s statewide network of community justice centers.

• 2005
  First cohort of trained community volunteers begins participating in restorative panels.

• 2010
  Victim support services are formally integrated into HCRJC’s restorative justice approach.

• 2015
  HCRJC expands partnerships with the Vermont Department of Corrections and local law enforcement agencies.

• 2018
  Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA) program launches to provide reentry support for individuals returning from incarceration.

• 2020
  HCRJC transitions to virtual programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining client engagement through Zoom-based panels and circles.

• 2022
  Transitional housing opens at 113 Maple Street, providing a safe and supportive environment for reentry clients.