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Genesee Justice will still need funding from the county in 2012, foundation president says

By Howard B. Owens

Supporters of Genesee Justice are feeling a little nervous about funding for the pioneering restorative justice program for 2012.

A heroic effort was made to save the program for 2011, including beginning the process of setting up a nonprofit organization to help sustain the agency's programs.

In part because it's a long process to establish a nonprofit, the Genesee Justice Foundation is still looking to the county legislature to fund the agency at sufficient levels to keep it going.

The $40,000 provided by the county in 2010 won't be enough, said Jane Schmider, president of the foundation.

"Even to continue at that level would be very difficult," said Schmider today following the first meeting of the foundation at Terry Hills. "To keep it going this year Peter often had to rob Paul, but Paul has run out of money now."

So far, the foundation hasn't gotten any clear indication from the county on what to expect from the legislature, Schmider said.

It's expected to be another lean budget year and several county departments are preparing for cuts, but Schmider said Genesee Justice should be considered an essential county service.

"It should be funded by the county," Schmider said. "It's a part of the Sheriff's department. That's where it started, that's where it grew up. It's part of our criminal justice system. It's part of county government."

Asked about fund-raising goals for the foundation, Schmider said, "It would be great if we could raise $50,000 this year. It would be amazing."

She also mentioned the foundation has openings on its board of directors.

Meanwhile, the Batavia Kiwanis Club has taken another victims' program under its wing -- trying to raise $150,000 to help the Child Advocacy Center move into a building the Justice for Children Foundation would own. The CAC would then lease the building at a nominal rate, saving the agency significant money on annual rent.

The Kiwanis are sponsoring a "Bidding on a Brighter Future" Gala and Auction on Sept. 17 at Batavia Downs. Tickets are $40 per person and $75 per couple.  

The Kiwanis are also still looking for donations from local businesses for the auction.

Lisa Falkowski

I was fortunate enough to attend this Luncheon. It was fabulous! Genesee Justice by far does not get sufficient acknowledgment or support from this County. Let's work to change this!

Aug 31, 2011, 5:49pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Why not charge GJ clients a supervision fee like the county probation department does? Not victims of course, but a fee schedule could be worked out to fit each clients budget. I would much rather pay a supervision fee than go to jail. Just a thought to help save this innovative program.

Sep 1, 2011, 8:28am Permalink
Chris Charvella

Cash Mob them? Why not?

Next week's Cash Mob event will be a not for profit edition. Only local non-profit organizations can qualify. We'll have folks vote for the local charity/organization that means the most to them and we'll cash mob it.

I'll probably need to get a list together of qualifying local organizations...if anyone can help me with that, I'd be much obliged. Please send me an email at:

Charvella [at] WNYMedia [dot] net

Sep 1, 2011, 11:35am Permalink

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