In Dekalb County, 10 young adults have reason to celebrate after completing the STRIDE pretrial diversion program, which is spearheaded by District Attorney Sherry Boston. The STRIDE initiative, short for Stopping Trends of Repeat Incarceration with Diversion and Education, aims to give participants a chance to correct their non-violent offenses while preserving their future opportunities. In a recent ceremony, which took place on Monday, the graduates marked the end of a comprehensive 12-month journey that has been designed to set them on a new path towards success.
According to an announcement from the DA's office, the STRIDE program, commenced in 2019, has now proudly watched over 40 graduates stride into a hopeful future. "STRIDE allows young adults who make a mistake to learn from it without permanently damaging their future opportunities," DA Boston said in the announcement. This alternative to traditional prosecution is to fully embrace the belief that individuals can sincerely change given the right conditions and support. This belief has driven the DA's team to rigorously develop and refine a program which seeks to reduce incarceration and seamlessly interrupt the cycle of reoffending.
Eligibility for STRIDE is reserved for young adults aged 17 to 24 from Dekalb County, particularly those who have had previous justice system encounters or are considered at high risk for reoffending. By committing to remain crime-free and avoid weapons during the program, participants are required to engage in various rehabilitative activities, ranging from cognitive behavioral counseling to full-time work or schooling. As detailed by the DA's office, successful completion of the program results in the dismissal of charges laid against them.
A key feature of the graduation was a keynote address delivered by DeKalb County CEO Michael L. Thurmond, who offered words of encouragement to the participants: "Don't give up just because you made a mistake; you don't have to live down to your mistakes," he said, "…nobody expects you to be perfect, but we do expect you to do better than what you’ve done before. You’ve got a second chance. Don’t waste it," Thurmond told the graduates, as per the DA's office announcement.
The STRIDE program has partnered with several local entities such as RED, Inc., WorkSource DeKalb, American Alternative Court Services, and Acivilate to offer a range of support and opportunities to its participants. DA Sherry Boston's Diversion and Community Alternatives Programs Unit, led by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisa Moultrie and staff members.
