Expanding Lions Quest: Transforming Alabama’s Juvenile Justice System
The Lions Quest program is making significant strides in Alabama’s juvenile justice system, with active programs in multiple counties and promising expansion on the horizon. District 34 C, with the help of a Lions Quest grant will launch a Juvenile Justice Lions Quest Program in Escambia County, set to begin in January. The district is also fostering relationships with juvenile judges in other counties, anticipating the program’s growth.
In District 34 A, programs are already underway in Lauderdale, Colbert, Franklin and Lawrence Counties, with the latter two directly overseen by the juvenile court system. The program in Lawrence County has successfully graduated over 100 students, with only six reoffending, demonstrating its effectiveness. The Moulton Lions Club plays a vital role by involving students in service projects, helping them fulfill probationary community service requirements. A recent success in Colbert County saw the first class of six students graduate, including a senior who secured a job interview at the Toyota/Mazda plant in Madison, Alabama. The facilitators went above and beyond by helping him with clothing, resume preparation, and mock interviews, showcasing the profound impact of Lions’ involvement.
With 67 juvenile courts in Alabama, the approval of the District 34 C Lions Quest Grant could lead to the program’s expansion to three to five new courts, with a vision to grow from four to 12 programs in the next 24 months. The potential for statewide adoption was also promoted at the MISSION 1.5 Summit in Orlando, signaling a bright future for Lions Quest in Alabama. Visit lionsclubs.org/lionsquestgrants to learn more about Lions Quest Grants.