Farewell: Many Thanks for Your Support and Help Over 13 Years
April 2, 2024
Dear CCJR and Community Members,
With a blend of emotions, including sadness, we announce the dissolution of Citizens for Criminal Justice Reform, situated in Concord, New Hampshire. Over the past 13 years, our mission has been to advocate for a justice system that protects our community while promoting the rehabilitation of offenders and supporting the well-being of inmate families. We firmly believe that a just and humane restorative approach to criminal justice is essential for reducing recidivism and creating a safer society.
The challenges brought about by the COVID-19 shutdown in the spring of 2020 deeply impacted our organization, as did many others. During those months, restrictions prevented us from meeting in person, leading to a decline in volunteerism and membership. Despite efforts to adapt through digital platforms like Zoom, we faced a loss of momentum, waning interest, and the departure of key volunteers. After four years of struggling to maintain a legal quorum of board members and volunteers, we must acknowledge that our current capacity falls short, and we are unable to sustain our efforts.
We express our deepest gratitude to all who have supported us throughout our journey. Whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy, your contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of many.
As we proceed with the official dissolution process, we assure you that all remaining assets will be distributed in accordance with our organization's bylaws and applicable laws. Furthermore, we are committed to fulfilling any existing commitments or obligations to the best of our ability.
While this marks the end of our official presence, we hope that the spirit of community service and collaboration that defined our organization will continue to thrive in the hearts of those we have touched. We encourage individuals and groups to persevere in working towards positive change and making a difference in the lives of others. I personally pledge to maintain our website with future articles that will keep our members and friends informed of news and events in New Hampshire and across the nation. Additionally, all current videos and articles on the website will be preserved.
Once again, we extend our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has been part of our journey. Together, we have made significant strides in criminal justice reform in New Hampshire and positively impacted the lives of hundreds of former offenders and their families.
We also wish to express our gratitude to Helen Hanks, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections, for her excellent communication and cooperation as we worked together to address various concerns and issues.
For any inquiries regarding the dissolution process or related matters, please contact Dr. Bob at chair@ccjrnh.org.
Thank you.
Statement drafted and approved by: Dr. Robert Paradise and the CCJR Board of Directors