The Power of Partnership: Leadership That Made a Difference

For most graduates, the hardest part is getting through the education and training. For Vernon, there was one more obstacle, and it had nothing to do with the classroom.

Vernon, a participant in the 10:33 Reentry Program, had just completed 96 hours of Production Operator/Assembler training through the Future Fit program at the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College. He had put in the hours, learned the skills, and earned his place at graduation.

Then, on Thursday afternoon, the Department of Correction notified Restore Hope that Vernon would be transported Friday morning to Lincoln County for an outstanding circuit court case. The timing meant he would miss graduation and the opportunity to celebrate his achievement alongside his classmates.

What happened next reflected the strength of relationships and the leadership of Circuit Judge Alex Guynn and Sheriff Steve Young.

A significant request, met with consideration

Restore Hope reached out to Judge Guynn to ask for consideration. This was no routine request. With less than a day’s notice, Restore Hope was asking a circuit judge to reconsider a transport order so a participant could attend graduation.

Judge Guynn recognized the significance of the occasion and took action. He added Sheriff Young to the call to ask whether the transport could be rescheduled.

For the Sheriff’s Office, accommodating the request meant disrupting the entire transport schedule. Sheriff Young’s agreement carried responsibilities well beyond the phone call: adjusting plans and coordinating the changes necessary to move Vernon’s transport to Monday morning.

“Judge Guynn called and asked if I could reschedule the fellow's transport from Friday to Monday morning and Janet explained the program a little bit. Because the judge asked I changed the transport schedule around so it all worked out,” said Sheriff Young.

The call lasted six minutes. In that time, Judge Guynn and Sheriff Young made arrangements that allowed Vernon to remain for graduation and celebrate what he had achieved.

The speed of that decision should not overshadow the commitment behind it. Judge Guynn’s willingness to reconsider the order and Sheriff Young’s flexibility in rearranging transportation made the outcome possible.

Relationships that support reentry

Partnerships are strengthened when people can bring forward a difficult request and trust that it will receive thoughtful consideration. They become effective when leaders are willing to act.

Judge Guynn and Sheriff Young demonstrated both. Through their working relationship, they were able to respond quickly, coordinate across their respective responsibilities, and make room for an important milestone in Vernon’s progress.

Restore Hope brought the request forward. The decisive support came from the circuit judge and sheriff, whose leadership and follow-through ensured Vernon could attend.

Their response showed how local officials can support reentry in practical, personal ways. A graduation ceremony represents hours of effort, a commitment to learning, and a step toward future employment. Making it possible for Vernon to participate affirmed the value of that work.

Recognizing achievement—and the leaders who supported it

The 10:33 Reentry Program brings together partners to strengthen the transition from custody to community. The Future Fit training provided Vernon with practical skills for manufacturing and production work. His graduation offered an opportunity to recognize that preparation and the effort required to complete it.

Vernon earned that recognition. Circuit Judge Alex Guynn and Sheriff Steve Young made sure he could be present to receive it.

Congratulations to Vernon on completing his training, and thank you to the University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College for helping prepare him for his next chapter.

Above all, we extend our sincere appreciation to Judge Guynn and Sheriff Young for their support, flexibility, and willingness to accommodate a significant request on short notice. Their leadership, the relationship between their offices, and the work of the Sheriff’s Office staff turned a last-minute obstacle into an opportunity to celebrate achievement.