However, beneath these daunting statistics lies a resilient community, determined to uplift its citizens, and break the cycle of poverty and crime. This resilience is a testament to the power of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), a methodology that recognizes and harnesses the strengths and potentials of a community to foster sustainable development.
The Courtroom Conundrum
Chief Judge Willie C. Weaver, Sr. of Albany’s Municipal Court has noted that over 40% of all cases before him necessitate social services and behavioral health intervention, services that the Court is not equipped to provide. Most offenders, when they appear for a hearing, lack the means to pay their fines or the knowledge to navigate the resources available to them. As a result, 38% of offenders end up on supervised probation, and around 20% are given community service, with the expectation that half of them will reoffend. This cycle of fines and penalties only exacerbates the financial strain on individuals who are already struggling.
The Albany Works! Initiative: A Resilient Response
In response to these challenges, the city of Albany has taken a proactive approach by creating and implementing a comprehensive strategy that leverages Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and the Municipal Court. The Albany Works! (AW!) Program was born out of a desire to address the root causes of minor offenses by providing treatment and recovery services to offenders, rather than simply imposing fines or incarceration. Debra McFadden-Bryant, the city’s Business Process Improvement Specialist, has been instrumental from the program’s conception to its full implementation. The program, currently coordinated by Court Case Manager Carmalete Daniels, is a collaborative effort involving nearly twenty CBOs, community service partners, and stakeholders. These organizations offer a variety of services, including education, job training, housing assistance, and behavioral health interventions. The anchor partners of this program are Albany Technical College, Aspire Behavioral Health, Goodwill Industries, and Albany Housing Authority.
The Pilot Program and Beyond
In 2018, the city of Albany began the pilot program focused on individuals aged 18-35 with repetitive misdemeanor offenses who are deemed "undereducated, underemployed, and/or homeless." Participants were engaged in the development of Life Action Plans, which provide them with direct access to appropriate service providers and educational entities. After a successful nine-month pilot, AW! received a grant from the Center for Court Innovation & U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance Initiatives to expand the program and create a community court. Albany was one of only seven recipients nationwide and the sole recipient in the Southeast region. The program continues to receive support in three areas: technical guidance, grant dollars, and mentorships from sister community courts across the nation.
In a strategic move to bridge the community's assets with those who need them most, AW! partnered with Albany Technical College to host Night Court within the college’s mock courtroom. This innovative approach provides a flexible option for individuals who work during the day, brings the court to the community as a partner, and further exposes the college and its offerings to segments of the community with the greatest needs. By hosting the court on-site, the college can provide immediate assistance to individuals who may wish to enroll in the adult education or credit program.
A Milestone: Graduation and Restorative Justice in Action
On June 9, 2023, the AW! Program celebrated its third graduation since the pilot stage, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards community resilience and development. The nine graduates, residing in zip codes 31701 and 31705, the community’s poorest zip codes, achieved significant goals during their time in the program. These included completing substantial hours of community service, obtaining valid licenses and documents, securing employment, and even achieving high school diplomas or GEDs. Some participants also completed alcohol evaluations and fatherhood programs, legitimizing their children.
The graduation was more than just a celebration of these achievements; it was a testament to the transformative power of restorative justice. Upon graduation, the participants' records were expunged, providing them with a clean slate and a chance to rebuild their lives without the burden of a criminal record. This act of expungement is a crucial component of restorative justice, focusing on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
Chief Judge Willie C. Weaver, Sr., the driving force behind the AW! Program, has shown an unwavering commitment to this restorative approach. He has pledged to assist the graduates, if they face cases in other courts, on the condition that they continue to progress in a positive direction. This promise goes beyond the traditional role of a judge, reflecting his deep care for the community and his innovative approach to justice.
The graduates have ambitious plans for their futures. Some aspire to become anesthesiologists, salon owners, phlebotomists, CDL drivers, firefighters, and medical assistants. Several graduates are planning to continue their education at Albany Technical College and Albany State University. These aspirations, once distant dreams, are now within reach thanks to the AW! Program and the restorative justice it champions.
The AW! Program is more than just a response to the challenges faced by the community; it is a testament to the resilience of Albany and its citizens. It is a beacon of hope, showing that with the right support and opportunities, individuals can break the cycle of poverty and crime and build a better future for themselves, their families, and their community. As the program continues, with another cohort on track to graduate in December, the city of Albany is proving that resilience and community development go hand in hand.
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