Lives Impacted By District Court Initiative: An Inside Look

Nikki Stone's journey began with a desire to help others, which inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel at Arkansas Tech University. It was during this time that she discovered a calling toward ministry and non-profit work through her involvement with various organizations. This passion culminated in her seven-year tenure with Russ Bus, a homeless services organization in Russellville, where she saw firsthand the systemic challenges faced by those trying to rebuild their lives.

Her work with Russ Bus opened Nikki’s eyes to the cycles many individuals faced, often due to unresolved fines or criminal records. “Being able to see the creation of something that can help people rebuild their lives, while having massive incentives within the courts, is incredible,” she says. It was through initiatives like 100 Families and her interactions with court advocates that Nikki found a new spark: the Smart Justice District Court Initiative (SJDCI). The initiative aims to address the reasons people commit crimes and prevent criminal behavior from escalating into more serious offenses.

When asked about her role, Nikki explains, “My primary responsibility is to advocate for those within the SJDCI, keep the court staff updated on their progress, and ensure participants stay encouraged and connected to the resources they need.”

She speaks passionately about the potential for programs like Smart Justice District Court Initiative to create generational change. “It’s exciting to be on the ground floor of something brand new,” Nikki shares. “We get to see the initial data and life changes from something with massive potential for success and replication.”

Nikki believes her past experiences uniquely prepared her for this role. “At Russ Bus, I worked with people who were caught in cycles of fines and charges, often stemming from small infractions,” she reflects. “Seeing how hard they worked to turn their lives around, only to be hindered by their records, was heartbreaking.”

Nikki shares a story that deeply shaped her approach to justice work—a single mother arrested over an old traffic ticket warrant. Despite her progress in life, the experience shook her. Nikki recalls reassuring her, reminding her of how far she had come. “SJDCI would have been perfect for her,” Nikki says, imagining the difference the program could have made at the time.

Nikki envisions a future where the Smart Justice District Court Initiative flourishes, not only in Johnson County but in counties across the state. She dreams of a justice system where individuals are met with understanding rather than immediate punishment. “Criminals are often people who made a mistake with legal consequences,” she says. “Everyone makes mistakes. We need to take the time to understand why and address the bigger picture.”

Nikki dives into the practicalities of her work—engaging the community, building partnerships, and speaking at meetings to raise awareness. She highlights the importance of small incentives, like gift cards or services donated by local businesses, which can serve as motivators for participants making significant changes in their lives.

When asked about her hopes for SJDCI, Nikki smiles. “A year from now, I want to see it flourishing with a full load of participants. In five years, I hope it’s a staple in the court system and in many more counties.”

Nikki’s optimism is infectious. She sees a future where SJDCI transforms lives, inspires others, and creates lasting change. “Small rewards for big decisions matter,” she says. “And the more people who join this program, the more lives can change for the better.”

With her heart for service and her unwavering determination, Nikki Stone is a driving force in making that vision a reality.