Past to Purpose: A Court Coordinator’s Passion for Rehabilitation

Crawford County recently welcomed Brittany Ayala as the new court coordinator for the Smart Justice District Court Initiative, a program aimed at reforming the justice system by prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment. Ayala, who brings a deeply personal connection to the mission, is committed to ensuring that individuals facing legal challenges receive the support and resources they need to break cycles of incarceration.

Growing up in California, Ayala experienced instability and hardship, leading her to drop out of school in the ninth grade. Her early life was marked by personal struggles, including encounters with the justice system and substance use. However, the birth of her first son at 18 became a pivotal moment that set her on a new trajectory.

“Becoming a mother was the wake-up call I needed,” she reflects. “I knew I wanted better for my son and to break the generational cycle I had been part of.” This realization drove Ayala to pursue education and dedicate her life to helping others facing similar challenges. Now, she brings her firsthand understanding of adversity and resilience to her role as court coordinator, determined to create opportunities for individuals who, like her, just need a second chance.

The Smart Justice District Court Initiative in Crawford County aims to shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation by addressing the root causes of legal issues, such as addiction, poverty, and lack of education. Through counseling, job training, and other support services, the initiative seeks to reduce recidivism and offer a more constructive path forward for individuals involved in the justice system.

For Ayala, this approach is deeply personal. “I know how important it is to have people who believe in you,” she says. “That’s exactly why I want to give others the help I never received.”

In her new role, Ayala is responsible for implementing and managing the program within the district court, under the leadership of Judge Rinda Baker, ensuring participants are referred to the appropriate services and tracking their progress. She acts as a bridge between the courts, community partners, and individuals in need, helping them navigate the legal system while receiving the necessary support to turn their lives around.

“My goal is to make sure every individual in this program has access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives,” she explains.

The Smart Justice District Court Initiative is already proving to be a game-changer in Crawford County. Ayala has observed a high number of young people in court for offenses like vaping, as well as adults struggling with suspended licenses and other financial-related legal issues. Instead of perpetuating cycles of punishment, the initiative aims to address the underlying causes of these issues and prevent them from escalating.

“By providing education, employment opportunities, and mental health support, we can stop minor offenses from turning into bigger problems,” Ayala notes. “For young people especially, early intervention is key.”

Ayala is excited to embrace the opportunity to build trust with community members and foster strong relationships with stakeholders. She looks forward to overcoming challenges through patience, transparency, and collaboration, and is eager to engage the community and create meaningful partnerships. She has set ambitious goals for her first year, including strengthening partnerships with service providers, expanding outreach efforts, and tracking measurable outcomes such as reduced recidivism rates.

Looking further ahead, she envisions the initiative growing into a model program that could influence broader justice system reforms across the state and beyond. Ayala emphasizes that community involvement is essential for the success of the Smart Justice District Court Initiative. She encourages stakeholders to support the program through advocacy, volunteering, and policy reforms that prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration.

“This isn’t just about individuals in the justice system,” she says. “It’s about creating a safer, stronger community for all of us.”