About Us
Peace Regional Restorative Justice is a community-based restorative justice program for communities served by the Peace Regional, Manning, and Fairview RCMP.
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Our team consists of two program staff, and our organization is governed by a Board of Directors. We are grateful for the support of many local, regional, and provincial partners and funders who believe in the importance of our work.
Mission Statement
Peace Regional Restorative Justice (PRRJ) is a non-profit organization that addresses the needs of people and communities impacted by crime. We employ restorative justice principles and practices to encourage meaningful opportunities for healing, growth, and resolution. PRRJ strives to foster relationships and partnerships that support education and awareness opportunities.
DIVERSE HUMAN EXPERIENCE
COLLECTIVE WISDOM
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITIES
Safe, healthy, and connected communities.
Our Organization
The work we do is about people. It’s about creating space for addressing harm, meeting needs, and meaningful accountability. We do this by offering Restorative Justice Processes to people impacted by an incident of harm, whether criminal or non-criminal in nature.
While we work with the criminal justice system, we focus on how people and relationships are impacted when harm occurs rather than which law has been broken and who must be punished. We provide opportunities for people to engage in a process that may better suit their needs, empower them to have their voices heard, and make things right to the greatest extent possible. We believe that when people feel safe and supported, they can actively address the matters that impact them and their communities.
We care about all people who are impacted by an incident of harm. We work with victims, offenders, their support people, and community members.
Funding
Our work as a non-profit organization could not have been achieved without the financial support and generosity of many local, regional, and provincial funders over the years.
We are grateful to be recipients of the provincial Alberta Community Restorative Justice Grant since 2016. This grant provides us with the majority of our operational funding.
We are especially thankful for many local and regional funders over the years whose generosity has supplemented our operational budget and provided valuable connections to their communities. We are so fortunate to be supported with donations from the County of Northern Lights and Northern Sunrise County.
Partners
We work closely with many agencies within our service region on a regular basis. We are grateful for the referrals, collaboration, guidance, and various support they provide.
These include the Peace Regional, Manning, and Fairview RCMP detachments and their victim services units, from whom we receive and collaborate with on referrals. We also receive referrals for these communities that come from the Peace River Crown Prosecutions office.
We have been a member of the Peace Regional RCMP Community Advisory Committee since 2016 and are regular participants on the Peace River Aboriginal Interagency Committee and with the Peace River, Manning, Fairview, and Woodland Cree First Nation interagency networks.
Our office is co-located with Stepping Up, with whom we’ve enjoyed a working partnership for many years. We also value our relationships and collaborative opportunities with Sagitawa Friendship Society, Peace River Regional Women’s Shelter, and Project Peace.
Our Staff
Melanie Freeman
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Melanie was born and raised in the Peace River area, joining the Peace Regional Restorative Justice team in April of 2024. She brings with her a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a background of over twenty years of family empowerment and a drive to share space with those seeking restorative justice and meaningful change.
Denise Klemchuk
PROGRAM COORIDNATOR
With over 20 years of experience in school communities, Denise brings a strong background in Conflict Management and Human Resource Management to her role. In addition, she has studied Indigenous Administration, and Indigenous Canadian studies through the University of Alberta. Denise is a lifelong learner and current Social Work student. She is passionate about inspiring meaningful change, and enhancing community and connection.
Naomi Sawan
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Naomi is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the Restorative Justice program and work alongside some truly inspiring ladies. She is passionate about helping others and learning new things. Naomi looks forward to building community connections, as well as meet new clients and be a part of their healing journey.
Board Members
Carol
Drescher
CHAIRPERSON
Judy Lynn
Ducharme
VICE CHAIR
Carol
Van Slyke
SECRETARY
Brittany
Turchyn
TREASURER
Catherine
DeZutter
DIRECTOR
Monica
Robinson
DIRECTOR
Dona
Lemieux
DIRECTOR
Carol
Ridsdale
DIRECTOR