Worship. Service. Community Outreach.
Pretrial Diversion Program
TCOTLG's Pretrial Diversion Program is established with stedfast commitment to providing a supportive and rehabilitative alternative for 7th through 12th graders (12 - 18 year olds) facing legal challenges within our urban community. The program aims to offer a transformative experience, redirecting participants away from the criminal justice system and towards productive, law-abiding lives. At its core, our purpose is to break the cycle of criminal behavior, providing a lifeline to at-risk youth and empowering them to build brighter, more promising futures.
Mission and Vision Statements
Mission Statement:
Guiding Youth to Redemption, Transforming Communities
The mission of TCOTLG’s Pretrial Diversion Program is to provide a compassionate and rehabilitative alternative for at-risk youth facing legal challenges. We are dedicated to guiding youth towards redemption, fostering personal growth, and transforming communities by offering a pathway that diverts them from the traditional criminal justice system. Through education, mentorship, and holistics support, our mission is to empower young individuals to make positive life choices and build futures defined by resilience, responsibility, and success.
Vision Statement:
Empowering Youth, Building Stronger Communities
Our vision for TCOTLG’s Pretrial Diversion Program is to empower at-risk youth with the tools and support needed to overcome challenges and build meaningful lives. We envision communities where each young person, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute positively. By guiding youth towards redemption, our program strives to be a catalyst for building stronger, safer, and more compassionate communities.--one transformed life at a time.
Eligibility Criteria for Participants
The TCOTLG Pretrial Diversion Program is committed to providing a rehabilitative and supportive alternative for youth who are facing legal challenges. The eligibility criteria outlined below serve as a guideline for identifying individuals who can benefit from the program’s intervention and support.
Participants may be referred to the TCOTLG Pretrial Diversion Program through the following sources:
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Youth Court Systems:
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Referrals may originate from the youth court systems in Washington, Bolivar, and Sunflower counties, reflecting a collaborative effort between TCOTLG and the legal system.
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Schools and Educational Institutions:
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Educational institutions may play a crucial role in identifying students who would benefit from diversion programs to address legal challenges while prioritizing their academic and personal development.
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Community Organizations:
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Collaborations with local community organizations may result in participant referrals, fostering a network of support and engagement.
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Family and Community Recommendations:
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Recommendations from families, community members, or individuals concerned about a youth’s legal challenges may also lead to program participation.
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From launching with a vision to now actively transforming young lives, the TCOTLG Pretrial Diversion Program has already made inspiring strides. We currently have five students enrolled from Washington County, with three more potential participants from Bolivar County. Many of these youth are facing serious behavioral challenges within their homes and schools, and nearly all are battling unhealthy habits such as vaping or smoking. Yet, despite the challenges, our students are beginning to understand one powerful truth — they do not have to face life alone, and there is a better path.
Our team has been working tirelessly, showing up each day with patience, consistency, and unconditional support. We are building trust, breaking cycles, and helping our youth realize that discipline and love go hand in hand. This work is not easy — nor is it meant to be. We have already faced difficult decisions, including dismissing two participants who openly chose not to change. While those moments are tough, they re-affirm the seriousness of our mission and the commitment required to achieve true transformation. Our program isn’t just a place to pass time — it’s a lifeline and a second chance.
Most importantly, we are deeply grateful for the students who are showing up, trying, learning, and fighting for better futures — even when it’s uncomfortable. We see their progress, their effort, and their growing belief in themselves. Their dedication fuels us. Their victories remind us why this program is vital. And their transformation proves what we already knew: when a community chooses to lift its youth, the future becomes brighter for everyone. We are just getting started — and the best is yet to come.