New Paths director talks about her group

Christine Mitchell, director of programs at New Paths, told the East Side Business Association Sept. 29 that New Paths is a community corrections program serving as an alternative for jail or prison for adults with nonviolent offenses.

She said residents of New Paths are under strict supervision while they participate in substance abuse therapy or prevention classes, educational programs and life-skills groups.

Mitchell explained that the resident population has changed in her 16-year tenure from middle-aged drinking and driving violators to younger offenders driven to criminal behavior to support drug habits.

"It's a younger population since I began working," Mitchell.

The programs have been changed to meet the challenges of the day. New Paths has established relationships with over 60 community agencies that provide resources for the residents — from substance abuse counseling to education.

As a way of paying back the community, residents of New Paths provided thousands of community service hours to local schools, churches, organizations and service agencies.

Partnerships with Downtown Weed and Seed helped 250 ex-offenders gain employment and become tax-paying people.

"It's not a give-away, it's giving them a chance," said Mike Tobias who was instrumental in getting the $1.6 million grant that funded the ex-offender re-entry program.

David Caswell, who works with New Paths residents through the Citizens Nuisance Task Force, said, "For many of these young people it's their first job — and their first paycheck. They get excited when they find they don't have to steal, but can work for their money."

A two-year follow-up study revealed that New Paths graduates maintain a consistently low level of recidivism, with 85 percent remaining crime free following their successful completion of the program.

Mitchell admitted her job is stressful, yet very rewarding.

"We have a lot of success stories. In our recovery house and coaching program we had a woman who couldn't read or write. She had lived on the street since she was 13. Now, at age 36, she is drug free and sober," Mitchell said.

To become a resident of New Paths, a person must be referred by a judge or probation agent, and must meet specific eligibility requirements.

The East Side Business Association will meet next at 2 p.m. Oct. 6 at Hurley Medical Center. Members will receive a guided tour of the newly remodeled medical center.