Volunteer spotlight: Daniel Merges

Q: What motivates you to be part of the work of Lamoille Restorative Center? What’s the most satisfying part of the work you do there? 

A: Alternatives to criminal justice are important to me. I believe in people working together to nurture, heal and restore their communities. Family culture is a part of my motivation too. My parents volunteered in prisons and offender re-entry programs when I was young. I come from serious do-gooder stock. We have a family tradition of at least four generations of teaching our children explicitly about service and generosity. The two most satisfying parts of the work at LRC are: the opportunities to work with the staff and volunteers, who are all deeply good people, and witnessing participants engaging in the process and becoming more connected to their community.

Q: What do you do for your work and play? 

A: I am a clinical case manager at Laraway Youth and Family Services. I do a mix of service coordination, training, supervision and clinical work. I spend a lot of time outdoors: walking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, sitting beside streams and contemplating the mysteries of the universe. I enjoy reading spiritual poetry and listening to a wide range of music. 

Q: What’s a little-known fact about yourself you’d like to share?

A: My favorite stuffed animal as a child was a dog given to me by a family friend who had been wrongfully convicted of murder after participating in an armed robbery at age 19. He spent 9 years on death row in New York State. After his conviction was overturned, he was released, became a social worker and dedicated the rest of his life to working with at-risk youth.

Many thanks, Daniel, for all your years of service and support!