New Program Aims to Clean Up Dekalb County
February 13, 2012
JCS is delving into new territory once again. This time JCS has entered the world of code enforcement. DeKalb County Georgia Probation Manager, Matt Smith explains the motives of this program, "JCS and code enforcement are building a strong working relationship that will clean up the areas that have been in disrepair for some time. This will help make our community a more beautiful place to live and will hopefully increase the property value in this bad economy."Code enforcement has been shown over time to promote safety as well as beautification throughout the United States. Many county codes ensure safety by managing out-of-control plant life and removing large, unkempt items that can harbor rats and other pets. They also protect creative children who may see structures like abandoned appliances, vehicles, and piles of scrap as a great place to play. Much of this refuse can include harmful chemicals, sharp edges, and sometimes the ability to be trap children and pets. Research supporting the "Broken Windows" theory of criminology also suggests that consistent code enforcement can assist in increasing social order and decreasing crime within a community. More..
Sarasota Toy Drive Exceeds Expectations
January 3, 2012
This holiday season the Venice, Florida JCS office got to spread a little extra cheer with permission from their judges. The “Jolly Christmas Santa” program allowed defendants that were in good standing to buy out their eligible community service hours with toys, nonperishable food items, and toiletries destined to help out families in need.The program had a goal of collecting $5,000 in items to donate. However, Sarasota surpassed this target, reaching over 150% of their original goal with a total of $7,600 in items collected for charity. Three vans, a truck, and a large car were required to move these items to their destinations. More..
Defendant Earns GED through JCS Program
November 15, 2011
The efforts of a group of JCS and community members in Osceola County are starting to pay off. This November JCS is proud to celebrate the first GED earned by a member the free adult education program.“This is a great program for the community,” said program instructor Ramon Rodriguez, “it shows that we want to give back to them.”
Mr. Henderson, the program’s first graduate completed and passed all of the required coursework and tests, so he was able to obtain a voucher to take the Florida GED Tests for free as well. More..
