Submitted by Linda Gonzales Battle
Our eight week PTI (Pre Trial Intervention) meeting was held on Monday, September 12, 2011, 7:00 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 week 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. He introduced the speakers.
There was one graduate. She gave a required 250 words plus essay, stating, “What PTI Means to Me,” which was well received. She was very appreciative to the staff and speakers for their continual support. Rev. Battle gave her the certificate and congratulated her for a job well done.
Betty Legette, Manning Baptist Church, read some excerpts from a book, “There Are No Mistakes.” She is reading and reiterated examples of mistakes.
She talked about kids committing suicide. Some commit suicide because they can’t talk to their parents. She stressed the importance of listening and taking the time to talk. Ms. Legette stated that some lives could have been saved if someone took the time to say, “I love you.” She also stated that a lot of us get in trouble because we are following others. You need to just say “no.” A lot of people are in jail because they did not ask for help. In closing, Ms. Legette encouraged the participants to utilize the staff.
Larry Abraham, Chief Deputy, congratulated the graduate and reiterated some of her statements. He also encouraged them to take head to Ms. Legette’s comments. He stated that a lot of time things happen in life and we don’t have control, but there are choices. He talked about choices and consequences. Mr. Abraham stated that we got to be careful and think about what we are doing. A lot of time, this will keep you out of trouble. Don’t make excuses for your mistakes, take responsibility for your actions. If you apply this in your everyday lives, you will see a difference in your life. In closing, Mr. Abraham encouraged the participants to go to church and get involved.