Eugene’s Community Court is celebrating its one year anniversary Friday, September 1st. The program responds to low level crimes by providing offenders with access to social services and sentencing community service instead of jail time. Court administrator Cheryl Stone says since it began last summer, Community Court has helped almost 300 people and produced over 60 program graduates.
“For those who are wanting help, who are ready to move forward in a different way, or maybe were overwhelmed by how to access all the providers in different locations around the city…this program really helps them,” says Stone.
The program is meant to help participants get back on their feet, learn where to find the resources they need and avoid future offenses. Several of the program’s graduates will be sharing their stories at Friday’s celebration.