COLUMBUS, Ohio — In every city and neighborhood, you can find a similar issue: crime.
"A lot of it is repeat offenses based out of poverty. minor misdemeanors like possession,” said Ramiya McDaniel.
She said she sees too many people stuck in the revolving door of the court system. She said many of the offenses can be prevented.
"They're not wanting to commit crimes. It's just poverty-related,” said McDaniel.
That’s why she works as a teacher for the Court Diversion Program through Derrick L. Owens, LLC. The program works with people who have challenged backgrounds court-appointed from the Franklin County Municipal Court and the Reynoldsburg and Whitehall Mayor’s courts.
"It gives an alternative than just putting people in jail or issuing warrants or involving them in the court system, it's breaking the cycle for sure."
Derrick Owens said the program started in 2019. He said for two hours almost every day of the week, he and McDaniel work with people 18 and older.
People are allowed to examine themselves to determine what can be fixed through an intervention session, different assessments and screenings.
Owens said this year alone, they've helped more than 1,800 people. He said once people complete the program, they don’t come back.
"I believe in the second chance opportunity. I know it's capable for anybody if given an opportunity to do so,” said Owens. "If we could get them out of the system on this lower level, then they wouldn't move into the greater level the felony level.”