Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, a strong supporter of criminal justice reform, will be the keynote speaker at Expanding the Circle: Restorative Justice at a Pivotal Time, a fundraiser and party for Communities for Restorative Justice (C4RJ) on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, from 6-9 p.m. at Arlington Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington.
Attorney General Healey will be speaking about her office’s efforts to fund prevention initiatives for young people and her response to the opioid crisis.
The event will feature live music, a silent auction and a light supper provided by popular local restaurants and caterers. Funds raised will support C4RJ’s growing partnerships with police in 19 cities and towns and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office as together they respond to crime in ways that help victims heal and give offenders an opportunity to avoid a criminal record by taking responsibility for their actions and making amends to victims and the community.
Since January 2015, Maura Healey has served as the Attorney General of Massachusetts, leading the People’s Law Firm in the fight for fairness and equality. Since assuming office, Healey has focused on expanding economic opportunity by addressing rising energy and health care costs, tackling student loan debt, and ensuring fair treatment for workers and a level playing field for businesses. Healey has also gained national prominence for her leadership in combatting the state’s opioid epidemic, including expanding addiction prevention training for young people. Healey is a graduate of Harvard College and Northeastern University School of Law.
C4RJ, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 2000 as an alternative to the traditional court system and currently has more than 100 active volunteers. Cases are referred to C4RJ by its 19 partner police departments in Acton, Arlington, Bedford, Boxborough, Burlington, Carlisle, Cambridge, Concord, Groton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Maynard, Newton, Stow, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, and the Middlesex District Attorney Office’s Juvenile Diversion Program. Last year, C4RJ served 68 victims and 66 offenders (ages 9 to 37) in Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties.
According to Erin Freeborn, C4RJ Executive Director and another Northeastern University School of Law alumna, in Massachusetts, Restorative Justice legislation is included as part of the criminal justice reform package under consideration on Beacon Hill. Restorative justice has the support of our police partners, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Attorney General Maura Healey. We are optimistic that it will be included when the final bill is released and that it will add a meaningful complement to our courts. The Arlington event on April 11 will be a fun opportunity to come together to discuss exciting advances in Massachusetts and enjoy local fare from C4RJ communities.
Savory dishes and desserts will be provided by Bollywood (Lexington), Juniper (Wellesley), Not Your Average Joes, Restaurant Olivio (Arlington), Prince Street Cafe (Bedford), Via Lago (Lexington), and Bisousweet, among others. Silent auction items include estate jewelry, Boston Bruins tickets and a team autographed jersey, Red Sox tickets, golf at the Concord Country Club, astrology consultation, Roomba robot, garden design consultation, South Africa photo safari, and more. Major sponsors of the fundraising event include Cambridge Savings Bank and Lexington Alarm.
The public is invited. Tickets are $75 per person or $250 as a supporting patron. RSVP here. For more information, visit our website, email us, or call 978-318-3447.
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