Before my introduction to the Midtown Community Court, I’d been involved with the criminal justice system for 30 years. Crime, drug addiction, and alcoholism all contributed to the vicious cycle of my life. I was deemed a career criminal. The authorities decided that there was no help for me, and all they could do was lock me away.

How does a person like me, with two felony convictions, four misdemeanor convictions, 30 years of substance abuse, and no work experience get a job? The Midtown Community Court showed me how to do that through its job readiness program.

When I came to the Midtown Community Court, I was very rough around the edges. I didn’t speak too elegantly. But the Midtown staff accepted me as I was. For the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged somewhere. And I think that this acceptance had a lot to do with my success.

I learned how to turn on a computer at the Midtown Community Court. I remember feeling really dumb that I didn’t know how to turn it on. The facilitator said, “Don’t feel bad, no one ever showed you. Let me show you.” And he did.

Then, the fateful day finally came in June of 2006 when I got my very first job. It wasn’t the most glamorous job, but it taught me that I could show up. And it taught me how to be around people.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the Center for Court Innovation. I’m a voice for many, many people who have come through the doors of the Midtown Community Court and other Center for Court Innovation projects. I want to let people know that hope is alive, that change is possible, and that there are no throwaway people—because I used to be considered one of those people.

Regards,

Linda Steele

P.S. To make a donation to support the work of the Center for Court Innovation, please click here.

Linda Steele, Midtown Community Court.