The North Little Rock Smart Justice District Court Initiative proudly celebrated the successful completion of its first two participants, Mrs. Terry and Mrs. King-Hayes. Launched to provide critical support services, the initiative has been instrumental in helping participants overcome barriers and achieve stability. Referred to the initiative in August 2024, both women faced significant challenges but demonstrated resilience and dedication in working toward their goals.
At the time of enrollment, Mrs. King-Hayes set several key goals, including stabilizing food security, accessing mental health counseling, complying with housing requirements to maintain benefits, and staying compliant with probation. Through her commitment, she successfully achieved each of these objectives. She maintained her benefits, secured employment, and excelled academically, earning a 3.5 GPA in college and securing a place on the honor roll, which she proudly displayed during her court review hearing. Now, having completed the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, she is preparing for the next step in her journey—continuing her enrollment at SEARK and pursuing a nursing career in the Fall 2025 Nursing Program.
Similarly, Mrs. Terry set goals to maximize her income through part-time work, access community food resources, improve her budgeting skills, and obtain mental health treatment. She successfully met these goals by attending virtual therapy sessions, utilizing local food banks, and maintaining a financial budget. With these accomplishments, she is now focused on her next milestone: completing the necessary requirements to obtain her driver’s license.
Court Coordinator Zhane Singleton praised their success, stating, “I am extremely proud of both participants for their hard work and resilience. They exemplify determination and progress, showcasing the power of commitment to personal and professional growth. I am also extremely thankful to Judge Paula Juels Jones and the North Little Rock District Court team for their unwavering efforts in supporting both participants and all future participants on their paths to success. Their journey proves that with the right support and dedication, positive change is within reach.” Singleton encouraged other participants to look to them as examples of how engaging fully with available support services can lead to significant positive changes in just six months.
In a heartfelt moment, Judge Paula Juels Jones closed their cases, stating, “I am happy to dismiss four charges against Mrs. King-Hayes and the one against Mrs. Terry for their hard work!”
This milestone reflects the initiative’s ongoing commitment to supporting individuals on their journey toward positive change and success. Mrs. Terry and Mrs. King-Hayes serve as inspiring examples of how dedication and access to the right resources can lead to lasting transformation.
Although still in its early stages, the North Little Rock initiative has already demonstrated significant impact in just six months of operation. The program is making excellent strides in assisting participants with financial stability, food security, childcare access, and legal issue resolution. At intake, the employment rate among participants was 31.25%. Since engaging in the initiative, that rate has risen to 43.75%, highlighting the positive effect of its support services.
As the initiative continues to grow, it seeks to expand its network of resources to address additional needs such as dental care, physical health, recovery assistance, and transportation. Partnerships with local organizations and service providers will be crucial in ensuring participants receive comprehensive support.
The North Little Rock Smart Justice District Court Initiative welcomes collaboration with organizations and individuals committed to community empowerment. If you or your organization can provide resources in dental health, physical health, recovery assistance, or transportation, please contact Zhane Singleton at zsingleton@restorehopear.org to explore partnership opportunities.
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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