Small group, big achievements: Birmingham RDC graduation

Whether we’re celebrating the achievements of 28, as in August 2023, or a smaller class of seven, as on Thursday, June 20, there’s an undeniable sense of spirit that pervades Birmingham’s Day Reporting Center graduation ceremonies every time. You can tell the graduates to understand it.

There is no doubt that much of the credit goes to Officer Leah Thompson’s administration and the work of the officers and support staff who stand with the participants at each ceremony. I feel compelled to recognize each of the dedicated employees of the Birmingham RDC by name: Officers Edward Seabron, Ti’Keedra Feagins, Edwin Melton, Robert Reyes, and Carlos Jones, along with support staff members Janaska Hunter, Kayla Hicks, and Amanda Johnston, who all do fantastic work.

However, most of the credit goes to the participants, who effectively apply the resources and teachings of their program to rise, change their lifestyles, and find success. I see a group of participants who come in every day as a team and support each other through the highs and lows. It feels like alumni are each other’s biggest fans, determined to help each other succeed.

My favorite parts of these graduations are often when the program participants take the stage. Rarely is something so meaningful to a person as a lifestyle change, and they often speak truths relevant to everyone, showing that it is possible to overcome great obstacles. It was a pleasure to see Lindsey Gilley and James Starkey talk about their time with the program and the smiles on the faces of staff members and community partners as the speakers recognized the staff on stage. Keynote speaker Danny Dandridge, a mentor with the Alumni Association of Offenders, reiterated his ability to break past habits by speaking directly to graduates. Finally, Office Director Cam Ward delivered a message of resilience that graduates will surely remember in times of adversity to come.

This small group has made a great achievement in conquering the Birmingham RDC program and getting their lives back on track. Life comes with its share of challenges, but I’m confident in the abilities of these seven graduates to meet them head on as they head for bright futures.

DRC provides counseling, educational training, and supervision for probationers and parolees. With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health and cognitive restructuring needs, RDC staff are committed to reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety through behavior change. Currently, full reporting centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs that provide similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.