Introducing James (Jim) Church- RJNW Program Facilitator

I have worked for the Minnesota DOC at MCF/Shakopee for over 25 years thus far with an additional 10 years Corrections experience to include the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Wisconsin Probation and Parole.  My primary job with the DOC is the Restorative Justice Sergeant for the Challenge Incarceration Program for women offenders.   I also serve as the Coordinator for the facilities Integrated Conflict Management System – tasked with responding to conflict within the workplace and for training staff in conflict competency skills.  I also serve as the Coordinator for Restorative Justice and Offender Transition Circles.  My goal has been to keep the female offender active in Restorative Justice providing daily activities for them to increase their awareness on how crime affects the victim, the community, and also the offender; and to provide the offenders with opportunities to repair the harm.   As the Transition Circle Coordinator, I arrange meetings with offenders and their support persons prior to their release from prison to help ensure a smoother transition from prison back into the community.   As part of my interest in conflict resolution and resiliency; I teach offenders Conflict Resolution Education Skills Training (CREST) and Resiliency Skills.  I have served on the board of directors for the Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women and have numerous associations with other agencies that provide victim services.  I am a graduate of the Minnesota Victims Assistance Academy.  I am active with the Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force and a volunteer grant reviewer for the DPS-Office of Justice Programs.

As I transition from my retirement from the DOC (early this spring) my goal as I begin my new position with Restorative Justice of Northwest Wisconsin is to support and to continue to provide the current programs offered at RJ of NW WI.  I am looking forward to serving the community and to provide further outreach in the community with the development of new programs such as introducing Restorative Discipline to the school system, teaching Conflict Resolution Skills, Resiliency Assets, and improving Victim, Community, and Offender relationships.

Awards and Recognition:                                                                                                        

2013 Minnesota Corrections Association – Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary Restorative Justice Work within the prison system and community.

2014 Minnesota Community Corrections Association/Female Offender Task Force – Esther Tomljanovich Lifetime Achievement Award for exemplary Restorative Justice Work with female offenders.

2015 DOC/MCF-Shakopee Employee Recognition Award for Restorative Justice, Volunteering and Team Work

2016 DOC/MCF-Shakopee Employee Recognition Award for Restorative Justice, Volunteering and Team Work