Today, so many of us are asking: what can do to create change? Turmoil and conflict surrounds us. So many of us, and our friends in neighbors, are demanding answers. Were seeking fairness. We all hope to find solutions that allow our community to find common ground and make progress.

Every day, Volunteers of America Mid-States works to be part of a solution for people in need. Our mission is to serve, and to never judge, and to provide care for everyone we possibly can. Five core values guide our mission. We are motivated by compassion, commitment, diversity and integrity. The fifth value is a word we are all thinking about right now justice. Our commitment to justice makes our work possible. And we believe makes it needed right now more than ever.

And this commitment is why Restorative Justice a groundbreaking program that works to keep young people out of the criminal justice system became part of Volunteers of America this year. Restorative Justice works with young people to resolve conflict through a collaborative process that brings victims and those accused of a crime together.

When a crime is committed, Restorative Justice (RJ) begins a process that works to give young people a chance and an opportunity while supporting the victims of crimes. Instead of asking who should be punished, Restorative Justice ask how can we make amends. Through meetings led by trained facilitators, those accused of crimes meet with victims of crimes to find a solution agreeable to everyone. These solutions often include restitution, community service and education. The process is entirely voluntary and extremely effective. Read more details HERE

In fact, young people who participate in RJ are one-half as likely to commit a crime again. And keeping our young people out of the courts and out of prison means that Restorative Justice costs a fraction of our traditional justice system.

We have had outstanding success in Louisville, and will soon begin a pilot program in Southeastern Kentucky. But we want to do more more to build collaborative solutions, more to make victims feel respected, more to keep young people out of prisons revolving door. And more to build a more just and fair society.

Will you help us? We are working to meet a very generous matched gift. Every dollar you give today is doubled and goes directly to a program that helps to change the lives of young people while keeping our community safer, treating victims of crime honorably and building a more just society. We hope you will join us today.