Submitted by Linda Gonzales
Our first week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, September 18, 2011, 7 p.m. at the Riverdale Community Center.
The purpose of this meeting is to sponsor a program by the Solicitor’s office called PTI, which consists of “First Time Offenders” who have been charged with non-violent crimes. This is an eight program that consists of various speakers who share their ideas. In these sessions, there is a question and answer session.
The meeting was opened by Rev. Michael Battle, Chaplain, with prayer. There were new participants and Rev. Battle talked about the PTI program guidelines in great detail. He also gave background information on himself. He talked about his commitment to the PTI program and how he enjoys helping others. In closing, Rev. Battle encouraged the participants to listen to the various speakers and take heed to their comments. Rev. Battle introduced the speakers.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, gave background information on herself. She talked about her past drug addiction. She told the participants that in order to love yourself, you have to take care of yourself. She talked about the importance of the PTI program. She reiterated to them that this program is their second chance. If you don’t get it here, you are going to jail. She also stated that she went through trials and tribulations, but she put God first in her life. She encouraged them to listen to the speakers. She told them whatever you are here for, leave it alone. As long as you have God in your life, you will make it. You got to learn to love yourself. In closing, Ms. Legette told them to be hard on yourself and easy with others.
Bishop Edward Ingram, Pastor, Mt. Sinai Church talked about Psalm 23, which he explained in great detail. He gave examples of how the scriptures applied to the PTI program.
In closing, Bishop Ingram stated that you got to start out right to end right.