Black Creek residents Lee and Grace Gingrich are proposing a restorative justice program to serve the Comox Valley.Dubbed Stronghold Restorative Justice, the goal is to control vandalism by making young offenders participate in restorative services and connect with victims in a positive manner. “Action is crucial,” Grace said in a Monday presentation to Cumberland council. The couple, involved with School District 71’s Alternate Education Work Program, is in the process of registering their business proposal as a non-profit society. They would work alongside young offenders once or twice a week over the course of a year, supervising repairs to damaged property, painting, pruning, graffiti cleaning and other such tasks that give back to the community. The program would operate on a monthly budget of $4,520. The school district has contributed $5,000. The couple hopes another 10 to 12 organizations will each contribute the same amount on a yearly basis.The program would obtain referrals through the school district, the John Howard Society and other agencies.The Comox Valley Community Justice Centre has been applying restorative justice for years.

Comox Valley Record