About FACE
Neighbours helping neighbours face conflict
FACE stands for Forum of Accountability in a Circle Experience. For over 20 years, our trained volunteers have helped people in Midland, Penetanguishene, and the Townships of Tiny and Tay resolve harm and conflict through restorative circles.
Our mission
Conflict as an opportunity
By facilitating circles based on the principles of restorative justice, we provide a safe setting for healing the damage done to those affected by offending behaviour and by any conflict arising from such behaviour. In so doing, we face conflict as an opportunity and valuable resource for restoring and promoting individual, family and community relationships.
Where our circles come from
- Police, with or without charges being laid
- The courts
- Schools
- The person harmed or the person responsible, or their lawyers
- Families, neighbours, and community agencies
Our story
Over two decades in North Simcoe
FACE is organized and run entirely by volunteers, and supported by placement students from Georgian College and university programs. Our circles are offered to the community as a service, funded by donations.
1999
Huronia Restorative Justice Project registered as a charity.
2000
Ontario Trillium Foundation funding (2000–2002) lets FACE hire its first coordinator.
2002
FACE trains students and teachers from three high schools to run their own circles.
2003
More students are trained in Midland and Elmvale, plus trainees from six more high schools in Alliston, Innisdale and Barrie.
2009
FACE opens a new office in Midland and develops an in-school training program for school boards.
Today
Still entirely volunteer-run, and we’ve never turned down a request for a circle.
Stories
In participants’ own words
Names are kept private. These are real words from people who sat in a FACE circle, and from those who supported them.
“The circle not only dealt with the offence and helped my daughter to move forward in a good way but also taught our whole family how to be honest with and help each other.”
Parent of a participant “Wonderful program to have to settle these matters out of court and actually face that person.”
Person who was harmed “Before this I was a bit bitter toward them, even though I was the cause of it… If I had gone to court, I would have stayed that way.”
Person who caused harm “The circle was an amazing way to bring together such wisdom, honesty and support together for the benefit of our son… what a great way to influence our children in such difficult times, teaching accountability and responsibility by experience.”
Parent of a participant “…very helpful to resolving the situation… we felt safe and respected in the circle, and the outcome was positive.”
Circle participant “At first I felt really nervous… but a few people really broke the ice with little jokes which made me feel more comfortable… I really like that everyone had to agree on R…’s consequences. I think it made everyone feel like they were part of the circle.”
Sibling of a participant “As an aboriginal person I have been afraid of the legal system and what I believed happens. I found the FACE Program has opened my eyes, my heart and my spirit to an old way of solving problems and taught me to trust in my beliefs to make a difference in our community.”
FACE supporter “Thank you for allowing [them] to face us and learn how he and his choices have affected us.”
Supporter of a person who was harmed “Now I see police officers in a different way, more as normal men who sometimes have a difficult job…”
Person who caused harm “What I’ve discovered, especially when dealing with young offenders and young adults, most of the problems that end in criminal court really stem from a family problem. If you want to fix the problem, you have to fix the whole family or community.”
Martin Prost, President, facilitator & board member “After attending a FACE program my opinion changed as I found it to be a satisfactory experience.”
Person who was harmed “I really liked the idea of being able to confront everyone that was a victim.”
Person who caused harm
Join us
We’re always looking for volunteer facilitators and board members.
Not sure where to start?
Call or write to us. We’ll listen, explain how a circle could help, and help you invite the other people involved.