Who we are
The Valley Justice Coalition is an active citizens group that since 2014 has advocated for policy changes and programs to improve our state and local criminal justice system. A recent example is our being involved in successfully soliciting the help of our General Assembly Delegate to introduce and champion legislation establishing a Public Defender Office in our community.
Mission
Animate the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community to engage in reducing incarceration and recidivism through public education, policy advocacy, coalition building, and grass roots organizing.
Vision
A united and educated community engaged in reducing incarceration and recidivism throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Our key members
Harvey Yoder
CO-Chair
Harvey Yoder has been a part of VCJ since its beginning. He is a retired pastor and counselor and advocates for criminal justice and prison reform on his Harvspot blog and through other media.
Russ Leinbach
Treasurer
Russ Leinbach is a longtime advocate for criminal justice reform and serves as our treasurer.
Reta Finger
Reta Finger is a retired college professor with writing and editing experience. She cares about many justice issues and is willing to help with editing needs related to VJC.
Debra Turner
Debra Turner is a retired ESL instructor, and keeps us informed about criminal justice legislation. Virginia Criminal Justice Reform Legislation has been a passion for the last 4 years.
Kathleen Temple
Kathleen Temple is a local peace and justice advocate with a special interest in criminal justice reform.
Romeo Perez
CO-Chair
As a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Romeo continues to shift perceptions and reduce the stigma surrounding recovery and the criminal justice system. As a former addict and inmate, he is a voice for change and hope in his community.
LaDawn Knicely
Secretary
A Rockingham County native, LaDawn is an ordained pastor in the Church of the Brethren, operates a farm, has a realty firm and operates a private pastoral counseling practice.
Community Impact
Political Activism
VJC is currently working with District 34 Delegate Tony Wilt to craft a bill with a list of criteria for the Parole Board to use in determining parole eligibility.
Improved Mental Health in Jails
VJC initiated conversations that led to the Community Services Board hiring a full time counselor for the jail.
More Public Input Into Jail Policies
VJC representatives are meeting with the sheriff once a month to discuss jail policies of concern to inmates and their loved ones.​​​
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Community Engagement
VJC members are encouraged to help influence public opinion by such things as submitting letters and op-ed pieces to local newspapers.
Incarceration Alternatives
VJC was a part of a community of voices that raised concerns about overcrowding in jails. Among the results have been a Drug Court program and Day Reporting program alternative to offenders doing jail time.
Amplifying Inmate Family Concerns
VJC conducted and published a survey of 80 inmate family members to amplify concerns over jail policies.