NEWPORT — Ed Brochu of Newport was among the long-time justice system volunteers honored at the Vermont Statehouse on Friday, January 5, 2016. He was nominated by the Orleans County Restorative Justice Center, primarily for his work on the reparative boards for the Center.
“Ed is one of our longest serving volunteers,” said Barbara Morrow, Justice Center Director. “He brings so much wisdom and art to this process, and is totally committed to this work. Ed has made a big impact in the Orleans County community and on individuals who have been through our programs.”
Brochu retired from the U.S. Army several years ago, and retired again from the Internal Revenue System. However, no dust was allowed to gather under his feet as he began another career as a trained volunteer with the Guardian Ad Litem program and the Newport Justice Center as it was then named.
In his spare time, he is also a volunteer driver for Rural Community Transit.
The Justice Center provides, among other services, an alternative to the court process for some offenders.
“I’m supportive, but hold people accountable for their behaviors,” Brochu said about his work. “Sometimes I say, you can’t go through life like this. You have to get on with it.”
Brochu says he likes to find out about the offenders’ lives and what they want to be doing.
“They are intelligent people. So many do not realize they have something going for them or that they have positive talents they’re holding back.”
Brochu is one of about twenty-seven highly trained volunteers who work with the Justice Center regularly in a variety of roles.
For more information on volunteering or services, visit their website at www.kingdomjustice.org or call them at 802-487-9327.
Congratulations ! Very well-deserved. Proud to know this gentleman.