Chilliwack non-profit votes to discontinue services

CHILLIWACK — After 20-plus years of service, a Chilliwack non-profit committed to restoration and reconciliation in local schools and the community has voted to discontinue its services in Chilliwack.

The board of directors for the Chilliwack Restorative Justice and Youth Advocacy Association unanimously decided to discontinue its services to the community effective November 1, 2025, according to a statement from board chair Mike Straiton.

“After more than two decades of dedicated service this difficult decision was made due to unforeseen circumstances,” Straiton said. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported and partnered with us throughout the years.”

Straiton issued the statement in response to an inquiry from Fraser Valley Today about whether the organization had hired a new executive director and if it was impacted by a July 2025 fire at 45877 Wellington Avenue where its office was located inside the Community Policing Office.

The charitable organization had 74 volunteers in its Operation Red Nose Community Restorative program as recently as September 2022, the same time when former executive director Steve Roukema headed up the organization. Roukema left in November 2024 and was hired shortly thereafter as its at M2W2, an Abbotsford-based non-profit that provides support services and community reintegration to Fraser Valley inmates in correctional facilities.

Roughly a month after Roukema’s stated departure, CRJYAA announced that Restorative Cycle, a brick-and-mortar retail bike shop on Main Street, would close in December 2024 at 9282 Main Street, home of the former Cheamview United Church in downtown Chilliwack.