Submitted. The provincial government has named Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association as one of this year’s winners of a Ministry of Justice Community Safety and Crime Prevention Award. An Abbotsford senior, Helen (Jean) Grant was also recognized for her efforts to assist seniors who have been victimized by crime.
With a small core group of staff supported by over 70 volunteers and with more than 1,100 cases since 2003, the Abbotsford Restorative Justice and Advocacy Association is dedicated to finding innovative ways to impart and engage in restorative values, practices and interventions for the citizens of Abbotsford and beyond.
“I have long been aware of the value a restorative justice approach can bring to our criminal justice system, and I in particular, I am very much aware of the very successful work being done by this organization,” said Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas. “They do a tremendous service to Abbotsford by making offenders accountable to their victims and helping them make amends for harm done.”
At 88 years old, Jean Grant is an exemplary model of volunteer commitment in Abbotsford. She has been involved in crime prevention and community safety since 1992 when she joined forces with the former Matsqui Police to form a volunteer group called Seniors Help and Awareness, a support and outreach for seniors in the community who have been victimized.
The Awards, now in their 17th year, are bestowed on people and organizations in B.C. for their exemplary leadership in community safety and crime prevention and courage to stand up to crime.
The Community Safety and Crime Prevention Awards are jointly hosted by the BC Crime Prevention Association (BCCPA) and the provincial Ministry of Justice and lead into B.C.’s Crime Prevention Week, Nov. 1-7.