Last updated on August 18, 2008

Partners in Restorative Initiatives (formerly Finger Lakes Restorative Justice Center) exists to advance the understanding and practice of restorative practices in the Rochester and surrounding communities in upstate New York.

Description:
The mission of Partners in Restorative Initiatives is to transform individuals, organizations and communities through education, advocacy, and implementation of restorative justice principles and practices, thereby redressing harm, restoring peace, improving relationships, reducing violence, promoting healing and
building better communities.

The reactive side of our work, after a crime or problem has occurred, involves bringing people together in a voluntary process to together talk about what happened, how each person was affected, and who needs to do what to make things as right as possible.

We also do proactive work: bringing people together in Peace Circles (in school classrooms, for example) to build a sense of community and respect so that fewer problems arise, and they’re easier to resolve when they do arise.

Our work is done in schools, courts, and neighborhoods and is supported by federal and local grants, individual donations, and wonderful volunteers.

History:
In March 1998, while completing his Master’s degree in Restorative Justice (RJ) at Eastern Mennonite University, Will Bontrager gathered members of Rochester’s governmental departments, nonprofit agencies, victim advocacy groups, and individuals to introduce them to the principles of RJ. At the end of his talk, Will asked, “Is anyone here interested in exploring how we might implement restorative justice?”

A group began meeting regularly, and brought Howard Zehr to speak in May 1998.

In May 2000, Bontrager founded FLRJC, and the organization’s first Board of Directors was formed. The Judicial Process Commission offered support and served as a fiduciary until FLRJC received its own status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in 2002.

FLRJC has since developed numerous RJ programs in schools and neighborhoods for victims, offenders, and community members; engaged in partnerships with other community organizations such as the Rochester Police Department; brought national RJ leaders to speak; hosted two Fulbright scholars; received significant federal and local grants; and developed trainings to teach and support RJ practitioners.

As of May 28, 2008 FLRJC adopted its new name: Partners in Restorative Initiatives (PiRI), and continues to provide trainings, facilitation, and education in schools, courts, and neighborhoods to further its mission of redressing harm, restoring peace, improving relationships, reducing violence, promoting healing, and building better communities.

Contact person: PiRI Office, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (585) 472-0970

Address:

111 Hillside Avenue Rochester, NY 14610 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.pirirochester.org

Directions:

PiRI's office is located in the Rochester Area Mennonite Fellowship building. Directions: From Greater Rochester International Airport: 390 North to 490 East Exit toward Winton Rd Right on S Winton, then Right on Hillside Ave From Buffalo And The West Via I-90: Exit 47 to 490E Exit toward Winton Rd Right on S Winton, Right on Hillside Ave From Syracuse And The East Via I-90: Exit 45 to 490W Exit toward Winton Rd Left on S Winton, Right on Hillside Ave From The South Via 590 N: Exit toward Highland Ave Left on Highland Ave. Right on Winton Rd, Left on Hillside Ave.   Nearest Bus Stop: Hillside and Winton, 5 minute walk

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