By Jakiya Dudley, Digital Media Specialist
Bay Minette, Ala. – On Wednesday, November 15, five participants from the Baldwin Day Reporting Center Lite graduated from the program and were celebrated by a commencement ceremony at Restoration Church.
Baldwin DRC Lite Administrator Joshua Davis thanked all guests and community partners for playing a supporting role in each graduate’s redemption process. A short, prerecorded video gave the audience a glimpse into the graduates’ journey, as they acknowledged their own accomplishments along the way.
“Since I’ve been in this program, I’ve learned it’s not too late. No matter what you have done, even if you think you’re unredeemable, it’s not too late,” said Graduate Troy Morgan. Graduate Daniel Fields expressed his gratitude to the program for assisting him in obtaining his GED and ultimately guiding him towards success.
Baldwin DRC Lite Psychological Associate Valencia Cureton provided the greetings of the ceremony and left a piece of advice to the graduates. “It has been a pleasure to witness each of your transformations,” said Cureton. “Always remember to continue the work you’ve started and trust God in everything that you do, and this will ensure your continued success.”
Graduate Speaker Amber Jerkins reflected on her past mistakes and embraced her brighter future by providing encouraging words to her fellow graduates. “I’m here today to tell the other graduates we must keep our eyes planted on what’s ahead,” she said. “Our past doesn’t matter. When God looks at us, we’re brand new in his eyes.”
Graduate Speaker Charles Rudolph expressed how proud he was of himself and the other graduates because they are the only ones who truly grasp the difficulty of being dedicated to growth and turning their lives around.
Curtis Muhannad, who serves as administrator of the Perry County PREP Center, was the keynote speaker. Muhannad used several famous icons with convictions, such as Malcom X and Mike Tyson, to remind the graduates that “it’s not what they’ve done, but instead, it’s what they do after.”
Diplomas were presented by Day Reporting Center Lite District Manager Chris Causey.
Director Cam Ward delivered a closing message of inspiration and reiterated the need for rehabilitative programs like DRCs to further recidivism reduction in Alabama. He also emphasized this occasion as the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new chapter for the graduates.
DRCs provide counseling, educational training and supervision for probationers and parolees. With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and cognitive restructuring needs, DRC staff is committed to reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety through behavior change. Currently, full Day Reporting Centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs offering similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.
Baldwin DRC Lite Administrator Joshua Davis, Director Cam Ward, Pardons and Parole Officer Daniel Harris and Psychological Associate Valencia Cureton with Baldwin DRC Lite graduates.
Baldwin DRC Lite Administrator Joshua Davis speaking.
Psychological Associate Valencia Cureton speaking.
Graduate Speaker Amber Jerkins.
Graduate Speaker Charles Rudolph.
Perry County PREP Center Administrator Curtis Muhannad.
Director Cam Ward speaking.
Day Reporting Center Lite District Manager Chris Causey presenting diplomas.
Day Reporting Center Lite District Manager Chris Causey presenting diplomas.