History of St. Croix Valley Restorative Justice Program (SCVRJP)
Founders: Keith Rodli, an attorney mediator, and Marlene Parslow, a court mediator
The Annual Report 2011 – highlighting services, session outcomes and financial data.
SCVRJP is a 501c3 non-profit, founded in 2001, and serving Pierce & St. Croix Counties in Western Wisconsin.
In 2004 the mission statement “To build and sustain a culture of peace and belonging utilizing restorative justice principles and programs in our community” was officially adopted.
In 2006 the Restorative Justice Center opened and SCVRJP quickly became an active participant in the local community. The Restorative Justice Center is in the River Center Building, just one block off of Main Street in River Falls.
SCVRJP has been providing Restorative Justice trainings since 2005, specializing in Restorative Justice Circles and School-based Restorative Justice.
In addition to core Restorative Justice victim-offender conferencing, SCVRJP has developed programming and services to respond to community neeeds. SCVRJP addresses issues related to driving impaired, teen driving, underage consumption, disorderly conduct, controlled substance use.
Since 2001, a number of volunteers have helped SCVRJP evolve as a successful non-profit. Board members serve 3 year terms, volunteers help during a semester or several years. Donations and financial support from area individuals and foundations have helped expand programs and staff. SCVRJP has recieved local, state and national awards, while successfulling delivering services in align with the mission.
Key milestones for SCVRJP
2001 – Founding of the program, originally named Pierce County Community Justice.
2004 – First Employee, established by a grant from the Fred C & Katherine B Andersen Foundation.
2006 – Opening of the Restorative Justice Center, SCVRJP engages first UWRF Intern.
2007 – Addition of programs and staff, an Allstate Foundation Grant provided for Safe Teen Driving and a Minnesota Public Television Documentary
2008 – SCVRJP named the River Falls Chamber of Commerce 2007, Small Buisness of the Year. American Probation and Parole Association Award of Excellent for Community Crime Prevention. WI MADD – advocacy award.
2009 – SCVRJP awarded a 3 year grant from The Otto Bremer Foundation, hosts first fundraiser and reaches over 2,000 individuals.
2010 – First annual Walk for Awareness, addition of Restorative Response services.
2011- Strategic planning for a second decade of providing Restorative Justice services in Western Wisconsin.
