BELFAST — The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast will conduct a mentor training series beginning March 29. The sessions will introduce potential mentors to the philosophy and practice of Restorative Justice and to the populations we serve: youth who are taking responsibility for causing harm by participating in our Community Resolution Program and men who will soon emerge from the Maine Coastal Regional Reentry Center and rejoin the community.

Mentors and mentees meet for an hour or two each week, establishing a bond that can transform lives. For young offenders in our Community Resolution Program, caring relationships with mentors help youth to sustain motivation and build self-esteem, as well as repair the harm that they caused. For Re-entry Center residents, the mentor is a resource to help the resident transition back into society.

The first training session, which doubles as an Info session, will be Tuesday, March 29, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Christ the King Church, located in the Belfast Center, 9 Field St, room 330. A light supper will be provided.

If you like what you hear there, the rest of the training on Thursday, March 31; Tuesday, April 5; and Thursday, April 7. All sessions run from 6-8:30 p.m.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Hanlon at hanlon@rjpmidcoast.org, or 338-2742 x101.

The Restorative Justice Project of the Midcoast is a nonprofit organization that promotes fundamental change in the justice system and schools. Our responses to crime and wrongdoing seek renewal and safety for the community, support and healing for victims, and accountability and reintegration of the offender. To learn more about the Restorative Justice Project, please visit rjpmidcoast.org.