First Step Alliance News Today

A few weeks ago, I had lunch at the county’s least popular restaurant, the Summit County Detention Facility. The two county chefs on staff serve over 4,000 meals each year to the individuals who are...

This paper examines the effectiveness of gun control measures in reducing hate crimes and violence, focusing on the National Firearms Agreement (NFA) implemented in Australia and New Zealand. Despite initial expectations, research suggests that the NFA had limited impact on reducing violent crimes, such as homicides and mass shootings. However, the NFA did show some potential in reducing firearm suicides. Furthermore, hate crime rates in Australia remained high both before and after the implemen...

There is a judge in my county who will allow a criminal to choose either jail-time or a work program. Another judge scoffed at the idea, saying it costs too

Sheriff's Office hires mental health and substance abuse coordinator.

The nonprofit First Step Alliance is working to launch Diverge Federal Credit Union, which plans to offer loans to cover the costs of gender affirmation surgery for individuals and adoption for same-sex couples.

A challenger bank, an alternative credit score company and a proposed federal credit union are improving access to banking and lending for those who have been in prison.

Second chance checking accounts minimize banking barriers by providing disadvantaged groups a pathway for banking regardless of their history.