Restorative Justice of Taylor County seeks board members

The Restorative Justice Programs of Taylor County is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2001 and currently has an office in the courthouse. It is staffed with one part-time director governed by an active volunteer board of directors.

One of the main goals of the programs is to educate the public about the effects of crimes and the impact these crimes have on the local community. The current programs that are offered are: OWI victim impact panels, juvenile property crime panels, and victim/offender conferencing.

In an effort to educate the public on the effects of drinking and driving, a crash display vehicle is transported in local parades and other area events. The crash display is an actual vehicle shell that was driven in a Taylor County OWI accident resulting in the death of three individuals. It serves as a reminder that even though the driver had a blood alcohol level under the legal limit, the driver can still be charged with and convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.

The Restorative Justice Programs are searching for more dedicated volunteer board members. Membership to the board is open to any person over the age of 18 who resides in Taylor County and shares the interest of facilitating dialogue between crime victims, offenders and the local community for healing and reconciliation. Any interested person may call the Restorative Justice Programs Office with questions at 715-748-1482. The board meets every fourth Thursday of the month in the courthouse at 5:15 p.m.