Announcement, Press Release |
When the Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court graduated its record 26 participants earlier today, it did so with the help of dozens of community volunteers who are the heart and soul of these local initiatives.
This year, one of those volunteers stood head and shoulders above the approximately 40 active volunteers who keep the Avondale court running smoothly. Mark Klincewicz has been recognized as the local court’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year for his unwavering support of the program and the guidance he selflessly lends to others. He received his award from Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans at this morning’s graduation ceremony.
“In the most literal sense, community courts could not exist without our community,” said Margaret Kulujian, Ph.D., coordinator of the Restorative Justice Community Courts (RJCC). “We have to have community dedication and buy-in first, then the courts can open. Volunteers like Mark are the very root of the RJCC.”
Klincewicz has lived in the Avondale neighborhood most of his life and said he wants to help young people in his community get a second chance.
“I am a father of three boys and understand first-hand the difficulties life can bring to young, impressionable individuals trying to stand out and do the best they can,” he said. “I also understand that mistakes are made but, without proper formation of good examples and good wisdom, they cannot be led or pointed in the right direction.”
Restorative Justice Community Courts assist young adults, aged 18-26, charged with non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes reintegrate into their communities. These courts resolve conflict through restorative conferences and peace circles involving participants, victims, family members, friends, others affected by the crime and the community.
The peace circle process, used in the courts, attempts to reach a “Repair of Harm Agreement” between the participant and members of the community. The participant agrees to complete certain tasks, such as perform an act of community service, write a letter of reflection, obtain a high school equivalency diploma and/or undergo substance abuse treatment. If the participant successfully completes all the tasks set out in the agreement, his or her case will be dismissed and the offense expunged. All 25 participants in Friday’s ceremony have successfully fulfilled all of the requirements of their agreements.
The first Restorative Justice Community Court in Cook County started in North Lawndale on Chicago’s West Side in 2017. The North Lawndale court is having its annual graduation ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 14 at UCAN, 3605 W. Fillmore St. More details are upcoming. Restorative Justice Community Courts in Avondale and Englewood were both started in 2020. The Circuit Court of Cook County established a fourth RJCC in south suburban Sauk Village this past July, and is working on developing others.
To volunteer at any of these locations, contact program coordinator Margaret Kulujian, PhD at Margaret.kulujian@cookcountyil.gov.
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
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