Baldwin DRC Lite Commencement Celebrates Second Chances and Redemption

By Jakiya Dudley, Media Specialist

BAY MINETTE, Ala. – On Thursday, April 17, the Baldwin Day Reporting Center Lite held a commencement ceremony recognizing eight participants who successfully completed the program through hard work and dedication. The event took place at Restoration Church in downtown Bay Minette and celebrated the graduates’ commitment to making positive changes in their lives.

Baldwin DRC Lite Administrator Joshua Davis warmly welcomed attendees and expressed his enthusiasm for seeing the graduates take this important step toward a new chapter.

A graduation video played during the ceremony posed a powerful question: “What is a second chance?” It was defined as another opportunity to try again after failure. The video reminded viewers that everyone has needed a second chance at some point. But what about those who’ve broken the law? The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles’ Day Reporting Centers exist to answer that question, with action. By offering structure, support, and accountability, DRCs give individuals the chance to rebuild, grow, and move forward.

Psychological Associate Valencia Cureton offered heartfelt words of encouragement, expressing gratitude to the community partners and stakeholders who support the program’s mission. She urged graduates to stay focused on the progress they’ve made. “Let determination guide you,” Cureton said. “It will shape your success. Hold on to what you’ve learned, stay accountable, and never move backward. Determination is power.”

Robert Trapani, who teaches self-help classes at the DRC Lite, shared his personal connection to the program and offered a message of encouragement. Having once walked a similar path, Trapani reminded graduates that their past does not define their future. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “You’ve proven what you’re capable of. Your past doesn’t define you, your growth does. I challenge you to keep moving forward and live like a free man.”

Reverend Pamela Irby offered words of wisdom, urging graduates to take ownership of their journey and stay committed to change. “Do whatever it takes to take control of your life,” she said. “Freedom is everything.”

Each graduate shared a personal reflection on their journey through the program. While many admitted they were initially hesitant to participate, they ultimately called it one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. Their testimonies highlighted key lessons learned including accountability, responsibility, and above all, faith.

Graduate Larry Simmons gave thanks to God for guiding him through the program and surrounding him with a supportive community of peers. As a powerful testament to his faith, Simmons held up the same Bible he carried with him during his incarceration, crediting it, and God, for helping him make it to this moment.

Keynote Speaker Ryan Lantaff, a former participant in the PEIR and ROSS programs, delivered a moving message rooted in personal experience and faith. He shared how, for over two decades, his life was consumed by crime and addiction. “I didn’t know I had a choice,” he said. “In my mind, it was just who I was.” But everything changed when he made a decision to take control of his life. “The moment I made up my mind to change and accepted the help God placed in my life, everything shifted,” Lantaff said. “It starts with a made-up mind.”

He reminded graduates that just as the DRC had been placed in their lives to guide their transformation, key people had been placed in his to help him grow and change. Today, Lantaff stands as the Executive Director of AGAPE Life Gardens, where he now helps others on their own journey to recovery.

District Manager John Humber closed the ceremony with words of encouragement on behalf of the executive staff, expressing pride in the graduates’ achievements. “You earned this,” he said. Humber urged them to keep up the momentum and continue leaning on the resources provided as they move forward.

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.

Watch the full Baldwin Day Reporting Center Lite commencement here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Y6vDZFdv4kA?si=TfDQ3S9WsZlwMlc0

The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles celebrates Second Chance Month this April, which is a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration. This month is a reminder that with support, encouragement, and opportunity, change is possible. Learn more about how we’re honoring Second Chance Month here: https://paroles.alabama.gov/2025/04/01/second-chances-for-stronger-communities-abpp-celebrates-national-second-chance-month/