Restorative justice is designed to create goods and services, as well as change in the hearts and minds of criminal offenders.
Good and services are measurable. Although changes in people may be more difficult to quantify, improvements in attitudes and behavior will be evident.
Restorative Justice programs operated by the Missouri Department of Corrections are growing, both literally and figuratively.
The agency reported recently that its Restorative Justice Garden Program set a record for 2014 by donating 180 tons of fresh produce to local food pantries, shelters, churches, nursing homes and school districts throughout Missouri.
The total marks the third consecutive year the garden program has set a record for donations.
George A. Lombardi, agency director, described the program as one "where offenders learn about compassion and altruistic behavior, which is something that many of them lack. These programs also provide offenders a means for them to repay their debt to their communities by giving something back."
The program operates without the use of tax dollars and participants grow a variety of produce at 19 of the 20 adult institutions and three of the community supervision centers of the Division of Probation and Parole.
The produce is welcome, both for quality and quantity. Tom Pridemore, development manager for the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, said: "Two years ago, the Food Bank set an ambitious goal that 25 percent of the food that we distribute be in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables. We're still working toward reaching that lofty goal, and significant donations like the large amount of fresh produce from JCCC help in a big way."
The garden program is a significant program, but only one of many within the Restorative Justice initiative.
Offenders also make quilts, wooden toys, coloring books, educational materials, posters, birdhouses, PET carts for the disabled, and more. They also refurbish bicycles and take part in various sewing and woodworking projects.
Beneficiaries include Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, children's hospitals, senior citizen homes, schools, KidSmart, Newborns in Need, Parents of Murdered Children, Bikes for Tots, Head Start, Boys and Girls Club, VA hospitals, homeless shelters, and others.
The creation of products and services, including 180 tons of donated produce, are commendable; the program's restorative change among offenders is even more so.