The Youth Empowerment Program of Ottawa County Juvenile Court focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. (Submitted photo)

The Youth Empowerment Program helps participants develop life skills and effective coping mechanisms. (Submitted photo)

The Ottawa County Juvenile Court is proud to celebrate the remarkable success of its Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) this summer. Under the visionary leadership of Judge Frederick Hany, this program is at the forefront of transforming probation practices by empowering and uplifting court-involved youth. Targeting individuals on probation or diversion, YEP offers a holistic approach to developing essential life skills, enhancing educational experiences, and fostering effective coping mechanisms.

The ultimate goal of YEP is to influence positive behavioral changes in youth at school, home and in public spaces through structured programming with various community partners. While the program serves both probation and diversion youth, the court’s long-term objective is to divert more offenses away from formal probation and towards constructive, rehabilitative alternatives. This approach aligns with the court’s commitment to prioritizing rehabilitation over punishment, paving the way for the future success of its participants.

Throughout the summer, YEP participants dedicated over 350 hours to community service across Ottawa County. Their contributions spanned various sites, including the Ottawa County Courthouse Maintenance Department, the Family Advocacy Center’s Community Garden and Summer Lunch Program, Port Clinton High School Garden, Ottawa County Fair and Oak House. These volunteer efforts not only benefited the community but also instilled a strong sense of responsibility and pride in the youth involved.

Beyond community service, YEP underscores the importance of health, wellness, and personal development through a variety of activities, including:

• CrossFit: Physical fitness sessions designed to build strength and resilience.
• Unity Counseling: Mental health support and development of coping strategies.
• OSU Extension: Educational programs focused on nutrition and healthy living.
• Ottawa County Improvement Corporation: Career readiness workshops and personal development sessions.
• Drug Awareness Programming: Education on the dangers of substance abuse.
• Catawba Island Club: Etiquette classes, job exploration and incentives to prepare youth for future employment.

“I was impressed from the moment of the kids’ arrival at how well-dressed they were and prepared for an enjoyable evening,” said Heather Stouffer of the Catawba Island Club. “We presented a menu with diverse offerings that many in the room had not experienced before, and most were very adventurous in trying new things.”

The Ottawa County Youth Empowerment Program is an integral part of the court’s broader mission to support the holistic development of court-involved youth. By partnering with community organizations and offering a wide range of activities, YEP is laying a strong foundation for the future success of its participants.

For more information about the Ottawa County Youth Empowerment Program, please contact the Ottawa County Juvenile Court at 419-734-6840.