Willie Monroe reports on Crossroads, a program at Alameda County Courthouse for 18-25-year-olds convicted of nonviolent felonies. The program offers education and employment support, with expungement for those who complete it. About one-third of participants succeed, including DB Bedford, who became a supervisor after his turnaround.
This next report is about new beginnings. People can change. You've heard that before, and it's the philosophy of a program working out of the Alameda County Courthouse. Few illustrate that better than a young man who was given a second chance himself and is now doing the same for others. ABC 7's Willie Monroe has tonight's Focus on Solutions report.
Derek Bedford, or DB as he's called, He brings a unique perspective to his job as a supervisor at Alameda County's new juvenile detention center. He used to be locked up at the old facility.
To me, I think that being here raises awareness to everybody to know that don't write off any one of these minors because you never know when you'll see them again.
We first met Derrick in 1999. He'd already turned his life around and was receiving an award for his work as a violence prevention counselor. He credited the birth of his daughter Jasmine for his turnaround.
It made me have to live for something else other than my— it wasn't about me no more. It was about Jazz.
His transition really began at the Alameda County Courthouse in the courtroom of Judge Larry Goodman.
Well, Derek's story is the most remarkable story ever. I mean, to going from somebody that we argue about this. I think I put him in jail 5 times. He says 3 times.
About 10 years ago, Judge Goodman teamed up with people from the offices of the district attorney Public Defender and Probation Department to form the program now called Crossroads.
What's he doing this summer?
I do not know.
All right, I want him here next week.
It's for people between 18 and 25 who've been convicted of a nonviolent felony.
Well, it's designed to get people away from crime and into employment, and we emphasize education and employment.
Scott Spear, retired public defender, works with Gary Gordon, who turned from drugs, prison, and homelessness to become director of the Crossroads Program.
We let them know what is required of them, and if they are willing to do the prerequisites and be willing to change, we want them.
The Crossroads Program can do what few others can— leave a convicted felon with a clean record, opening doors of opportunity that simply would not exist otherwise.
3.40.
Wow, good for you. Thanks.
That is very cool.
It works about a third of the time, which is still better than the rate of recidivism. This young man walked into court a convicted felon and walked out with the felony removed from his record. Completing the program is not easy, and they do not tolerate people who don't take it seriously.
There's the carrot and stick component to this, and when they come back to court, if they haven't done what they're supposed to do, if they test dirty for drugs, They could end up going right in the front door and out the side door into custody for a while. Sometimes you have to get people's attention.
Derek Bedford tries to get the attention of the young people sentenced to this facility. Not all of them know his story. Even after clearing his record, it was a challenge for Derek to get his job. Now, after several years, he's a supervisor working with people like Vincent Bordelon, who first met Derek as a teenaged inmate.
And Derek, just a good kid. Like, from over the years working You really get to get a good feel on kids, and Derrick was one I always had a good feel on because I knew he was gonna make it.
Many young felons could also make it given another chance.
If they show any kind of potential for change or any potential for growth, then you have to give them an opportunity to flourish when the time is right for them. You know, you can't make someone change. You can just, you know, advise them or make them aware that change is possible.
It's his way of life, on and off the job. In San Leandro, Willie Monroe, ABC 7 News.
It's a powerful program, and Crossroads is accepting contributions. Donations can be sent to Crossroads Mentoring at 1225 Fallon Street in Oakland. You'll find that address at abc7news.com under Saw It on 7.
I was literally kicked off a Southwest flight before for being disrespectful.
