Mediation & Restorative Justice Center

What Mediation & Restorative Justice Center does

Mediation & Restorative Justice Center (MRJC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 and headquartered at 133 N. Water Street, Suite B, Boone, North Carolina. The organization delivers community-based restorative justice, mediation, and peer-led recovery services across 9-11 counties in Western North Carolina (Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey). Its core programs include Mediation Services (District Criminal Court, Community, and Juvenile Mediation), the Recovery Court / JMARC court-supervised treatment program operating across the full 24th Judicial District, Youth Services (Juvenile Mediation and Sentencing Circles for ages 6-17), Recovery Friendly Workplaces, and the peer-led Homestead Recovery Center, with the Watauga Community Justice Coalition serving as a cross-cutting coordination mechanism that links law enforcement, judicial, behavioral health, and social service partners.

MRJC's service delivery rests on trained human mediators, NC Certified Peer Support Specialists, an embedded social worker at the Boone Police Department, and a "Full Circle" model in which former clients transition into staff roles. The organization does not operate a software platform, public API, or AI-driven product; its "technology" consists of restorative justice frameworks (the Five Rs: Rule, Relationship, Respect, Responsibility, Repair), structured restorative processes (Victim-Offender Mediation, Truancy Mediation, Family Group Conferencing, Sentencing Circles), the four-phase JMARC program, and trauma-informed care principles. Staffing comprises approximately 16-18 named personnel plus active volunteers.

Revenue is derived from a diversified but concentrated mix of government grants (NCDHHS, NCDPS Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils, Appalachian Regional Commission, county governments, Town of Boone), foundation grants (High Country United Way, High Country Community Foundation, Truist Foundation), managed-care partnerships (Vaya Health), individual donations (PayPal, Venmo, DonorView), and sliding-scale mediation fees. No revenue figure is publicly disclosed. MRJC reported serving 2,800 people in 2022 through conflict resolution, case management, peer services, and community education.

Name

Mediation & Restorative Justice Center

Legal name

Mediation & Restorative Justice Center, Inc.

Website

https://mrjc.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mediation & Restorative Justice Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1993 that delivers mediation, court-supervised recovery programs, restorative youth services, and peer-led recovery support across 9-11 counties in Western North Carolina.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Mediation and Restorative Justice Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (624110), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Legal Services (8111), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Alternative Dispute Resolution & Restorative Justice Programs (BPAIAFAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs) & Public Behavioral Health Providers (HLAFACAI), Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN)

Keywords

• Community mediation services
• Restorative justice programs
• Recovery court coordination
• Peer-led recovery support
• Youth diversion services

Headquarters

HQ city

Boone

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: Funding from federal, state, and local government entities including NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), NC Department of Public Safety Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), county governments (Watauga, Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Yancey), and Town of Boone.
2. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible contributions from individuals via check, cash, PayPal, Venmo (@mrjc-nc), and DonorView platform. Supports life-changing services across all programs.
3. Foundation Grants: Funding from foundations including High Country United Way and High Country Community Foundation (HCCF).
4. Mediation Service Fees: Sliding-scale fees for Community Mediation services ensuring access regardless of income; District Criminal Court Mediation funded through court case resolution process.
5. Vaya Health Partnership Funding: Funding/support from Vaya Health, a managed care organization for behavioral health services in North Carolina.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

MRJC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides community-based mediation, restorative justice, and peer-led recovery services across Western North Carolina. Core programs include Mediation Services (District Criminal Court, Community, and Juvenile Mediation), the JMARC Recovery Court across the 24th Judicial District, Youth Services (Sentencing Circles and family conferencing), the Recovery Friendly Workplaces employer program, and the Homestead Recovery Center peer-led recovery sub-brand. Services are delivered via direct court/agency referral, self-referral, and embedded placements such as the social worker at Boone Police Department.

Product overview

MRJC (Mediation & Restorative Justice Center) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a portfolio of community-based restorative justice and recovery programs rather than a single unified software product. Its core service lines are Mediation Services (District Criminal Court, Community, and Juvenile Mediation), Recovery Court / JMARC (court-supervised substance-use treatment across the 24th Judicial District), and Youth Services (Juvenile Mediation and Sentencing Circles). These core programs are complemented by the Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) employer-partnership program and the peer-led Homestead Recovery Center, which together extend MRJC's reach into peer support, reentry, and workforce reintegration. The Watauga Community Justice Coalition (WCJC) and the established Watauga County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program serve as cross-cutting coordination mechanisms that link the Mediation, Recovery Court, Youth Services, and Recovery Friendly Workplaces offerings within a shared restorative-justice framework.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Homestead Recovery Center: Peer-led recovery services operated under MRJC's umbrella, offering day center services, recovery housing, overdose prevention, and community outreach. Operates a separate website at homesteadrecoverync.org with its own email domain (@homesteadrecoverync.org).

Products and services

• Mediation Services Neutral third-party dispute resolution program with three sub-offerings: District Criminal Court Mediation (court-referred case resolution), Community Mediation (sliding-scale service for landlord/tenant, neighborhood, workplace, family, and consumer disputes), and Juvenile Mediation (referral-based program for youth ages 6-17 covering truancy, suspensions, bullying, and conflict at home). For individuals, families, and courts across Western North Carolina.
• Recovery Court (JMARC) Judicially-Managed Accountability and Recovery Court (JMARC) — a collaborative, court-supervised, post-sentence treatment program for non-violent defendants whose justice involvement is related to substance use. Operates across Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties (24th Judicial District); four-phase 12–24 month program with drug testing, counseling, case management, and supervision by a judge-led team. For court-referred participants and the judicial system.
• Youth Services (Juvenile Mediation and Sentencing Circles) Restorative justice programs for youth ages 6-17 covering Victim-Offender Mediation, Truancy Mediation, Family Group Conferencing, Restorative Dialogue, and Sentencing Circles (a restorative teen-court model). Available across Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Madison, Yancey, and Ashe counties with referral-based access from parents, schools, and agencies. For youth involved in interpersonal disputes, decision-making conflicts, and acts of wrongdoing or harm.
• Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) Workforce program that partners with employers to provide a safe and stable workplace for individuals in recovery and those reentering society from incarceration. Reduces employment barriers and stigma related to substance use and incarceration; connects peers with certified Recovery Friendly NC workplaces. For local employers and individuals in recovery seeking employment.
• Homestead Recovery Center Peer-led recovery support program under MRJC offering day center services, peer support, SMART Recovery meetings, case management, overdose prevention education, naloxone distribution, recovery housing, and reentry support. Managed by a Center Director and staffed largely by NC Certified Peer Support Specialists. For individuals in recovery from substance use disorders.
• Watauga Community Justice Coalition (WCJC) Community stakeholder coalition facilitated by MRJC that implements restorative justice principles in the High Country. Includes Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD), Sequential Intercept Mapping-driven action plans, sober living / transitional housing development, and a trauma-informed crisis response system. Meets virtually the first Thursday of each month. For community stakeholders, law enforcement, behavioral health, social services, and the High Country reentry ecosystem.
• Watauga County LEAD Program Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) pre-booking diversion program in Watauga County diverting individuals involved in the criminal justice system whose behavior is driven by substance use, mental health issues, or poverty into case management and recovery support services. Operated by MRJC in partnership with the Watauga County Sheriff's Office and AppHealthCare. For justice-involved individuals in Watauga County.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,800 people served in 2022 through conflict resolution, case management, peer services, and community education
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Watauga County Sheriff's Office (WCSO)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Co-established the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program in Watauga County in 2020 with MRJC and AppHealthCare. WCSO remains a member of the Watauga Community Justice Coalition (WCJC), continuing to implement restorative justice principles across the High Country.
• AppHealthCarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partner in the Watauga LEAD program established in 2020 and co-host of the 2019 Watauga Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) process. AppHealthCare remains a member of WCJC, working on trauma-informed criminal justice and crisis response.
• Vaya HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManaged care organization partner supporting behavioral health and recovery services; referenced as a supporter on MRJC's funding page.
• Recovery Friendly NCcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide program partnership; MRJC delivers the Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFW) program locally and Mackenzie Laney serves as Watauga Advisor for Recovery Friendly NC. Connects peers with certified Recovery Friendly workplaces for safe and healthy employment.
• Daymark Recovery ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBehavioral health provider member of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition (WCJC).
• Watauga County Office of the District AttorneyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition, supporting the LEAD program and criminal justice diversion initiatives.
• High Country Council of GovernmentsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition.
• Watauga County Social ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (NC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition, supporting employment and reentry outcomes.
• Bonfire (merchandise platform)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline merchandise storefront (bonfire.com/store/mrjc/) where MRJC sells branded apparel to support fundraising.
• Appalachian State UniversitycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcademic partnership providing internship pipeline (BSW, MSW, criminal justice, sociology, psychology students); multiple MRJC staff serve as part-time adjunct instructors (Mollie Bolick in Interdisciplinary Studies; Mackenzie Laney in Social Work). Institutional home of the Beaver College of Health Sciences which honored Mollie Bolick with the 2023 Emerging Leader Award.
• Watauga County Clerk of CourtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of the original LEAD Planning Group and Watauga Community Justice Coalition supporting implementation of LEAD program and related court diversion efforts.
• Watauga Housing CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity coalition on which Mackenzie Laney (MRJC) serves, addressing housing-related recovery ecosystem needs.
• High Country Reentry CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition supported by the Watauga Community Justice Coalition, focused on building an enhanced recovery ecosystem that allows for successful reentry.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services): New York nonprofit providing alternatives to incarceration, court-based programs, and reentry support. Comparable to MRJC's LEAD diversion, Recovery Court, and juvenile restorative justice programming.
• Resolution Systems Institute: National nonprofit focused on court-based mediation and restorative justice training and program design. Comparable to MRJC's mediation and juvenile restorative justice service lines.
• Fortune Society: New York-based nonprofit providing reentry, alternatives-to-incarceration, and peer-led recovery support. Closely comparable to MRJC's peer-led Homestead Recovery Center and diversion programs.
• Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR): Virginia-based nonprofit providing community reentry, restorative justice, and diversion services since 1974. Directly comparable to MRJC's Restorative Justice, Recovery Court, and Reentry programming by mission and operating model.
• Center for Justice Innovation: National nonprofit that designs and operates problem-solving courts, restorative justice programs, and community mediation across multiple U.S. jurisdictions. Highly comparable to MRJC because it directly administers drug courts and community justice programs with a similar coalition-building model.
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing immediate employment and reentry services to people returning from incarceration. Comparable to MRJC's Recovery on the Inside and Recovery Friendly Workplaces programming on the workforce/reentry axis.
• Center for Community Alternatives: Nonprofit operating alternatives-to-incarceration, reentry, and restorative justice programs in New York. Directly comparable to MRJC's LEAD diversion, Recovery Court coordination, and peer support offerings.

Broad incumbents

• Council of State Governments Justice Center: National nonprofit policy and technical assistance organization supporting state and local justice policy reform, including behavioral health and reentry. Comparable as a broader ecosystem player funding and shaping the same drug-court and diversion space MRJC operates in.
• National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP): The membership and standards body for treatment courts nationally, including the Adult Drug Court Best Practice Standards MRJC's JMARC follows. Indirect competitor/incumbent: it accredits and supports MRJC's Recovery Court model while also enabling larger national operators.
• Goodwill Industries International: Large national nonprofit network operating workforce development, reentry, and recovery-support programs including behavioral health and recovery-to-work initiatives. Comparable to MRJC's Recovery Friendly Workplaces and peer-led reentry on a much larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/mediation.restorative.justice
• Instagraminstagram.com/mediation.restorative.justice
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mediation-and-restorative-justice-center-inc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mediation & Restorative Justice Center