Stacy McLaughlin and Mikaela Mohr from the new Logan County Community Resource Center, “The Reach,” spoke to the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club members Thursday, Dec. 4, about their mission of empowering “Logan County youth and families to navigate life’s challenges and local resources.”
They explained that The Reach, located at 104 S. Madriver St. in Bellefontaine, provides one-on-one support to youths and families by linking them to local resources, programs and services. While navigating difficulties and celebrating strengths, they walk alongside families every step of the way to improving their lives and wellbeing.
The services of The Reach Community Resource Center include community engagement, such as helping a youth who needs a coat or shoes, needs a support group, or a safe place to hang out.
They also help families by informing them of local services and programs with no case files, no screeners, and no hassle. They will connect them to the right place to meet their needs.
McLaughlin and Mohr said the program provides community diversion by working with Logan County Family Court and the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office to offer court diversion services that help youths avoid the justice system, connect them to services, and stay connected to their community.
They offer resource navigation when a youth needs help, but aren’t sure where to go. They get to know the youth and do screening and assessments. They develop a plan together to connect them with services and to ensure the services start working, making adjustments as needed.
The two program leaders noted that juvenile justice is shifting statewide to diversion and evidence-based practices. There are significant risks to youths who interact with the court and detention, even just one time, and they are more likely to end up involved in adult and juvenile justice systems, not finishing high school, not finding employment, and more likely to suffer mental health problems. Evidence shows court diversion and intervention services lead to better outcomes than detention and punitive practices.
Many youths and families are referred by the court or the schools, but anyone can refer a youth or family. The Reach Community Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and no appointment is needed. The phone number is (937) 599-6080.
