We’re proud to announce that the Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project (LARJP) has been awarded the 2025 Crow Wing Power Community Trust Impact Grant—a $20,000 boost that will help expand restorative services for youth right here in our community.
LARJP began in 2004 as a grassroots effort to bring restorative practices to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Today, its impact stretches even wider—and deeper. With over 200 cases projected in 2025 and a caseload that’s tripled in the past year, the organization continues to change lives through Restorative Group Conferencing, a human-centered approach that brings together those who’ve caused harm, those impacted, and community voices to create healing and accountability—not punishment.
“This grant funding is going to help LARJP enhance and expand the services for youth in Crow Wing County, helping them to ‘Learn, Grow and Launch,’” said Brian Andrews, Executive Director of LARJP. “We are so grateful to Crow Wing Power Community Trust for selecting LARJP, and to the members, we thank you!”
LARJP serves youth across Crow Wing County and is expanding its work across Region 5, including Pierz, Morrison County, Cass County, Pine River, and Aitkin County. The grant will fund staffing, early outreach, educational experiences for youth, and continued support through its Elevate program.
This year’s two other Impact Grant finalists, Lakes Area Pregnancy Support and Interfaith Caregivers, each received $5,000 to support their vital community efforts. Additionally, the Crow Wing Power Community Trust Board awarded $38,000 to 24 other nonprofit organizations in the cooperative’s service territory through regular quarterly grant funding.
We’d like to thank the more than 86% of Crow Wing Power members who make Operation Round-Up® possible by rounding up their electric bills each month. Your spare change is truly making a difference.