From left, Chief Probation Officer Will Lehr, Court Administrator Shanna Strouse and Ottawa County Juvenile Court Judge Frederick C. Hany II are helping youths on probation find healthy ways to address their problems. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

Every once in a while, Ottawa County Juvenile Court Judge Frederick C. Hany II steps back and assesses the population of kids who come into his courtroom. As the world changes, the problems children face change, too, and Hany wants to ensure that his court isn’t just punishing juvenile offenders. He wants to help them take steps to improve their lives.

“We want to help kids and families as early as possible,” said Court Administrator Shanna Strouse.

The goal is to address problems early to help kids stay out of court as adults.

“This is a great challenge,” Hany said. “In my case, I need to get to people a lot sooner. With juvenile court, I have more tools than they do in municipal court. If your goal is to keep kids out of the adult system, then let’s take the next step.”

To address the problems that bring kids into his courtroom, Hany and Strouse created the Youth Empowerment Program for juveniles on probation or in a diversion program. The program is built around an educational component, community service and health and well-being. Local organizations are collaborating to make the Youth Empowerment Program successful, including the Oak House, Unity Counseling and CrossFit Port Clinton.

During the summer months, the Youth Empowerment Program is held twice a week. The participants take life skills classes at The Oak House, perform community service and work out at CrossFit. Ottawa County Chief Probation Officer Will Lehr exercises alongside them.

“We’re not just sending our kids to a gym. The instructors are trauma-trained,” Strouse said. “CrossFit was the first piece that maybe we should look at things a little differently.”

Lehr’s team of probation officers – which includes Mike Reynolds, Holly Hoover and Heather Lopez – all have a part in the Youth Empowerment Program. Reynolds often works out with the kids, too. The CrossFit program has been successful thanks to owners Lexis and Brett Bauer, who teach the youths about fitness and nutrition.

“We have a great relationship with the owners of the gym, but more importantly is the great relationship they have with the kids,” Lehr said. “The combination of Lexis, Brett and us is working. The kids love it.”

The collaboration between juvenile court and CrossFit began when Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider suggested the idea to Hany. Then Hany received a call from Andy Wilson, who serves as Director of the Department of Public Safety in Governor Mike DeWine’s office.

“Andy Wilson was like a cheerleader for the program,” Hany said. “He came down and worked out with the kids.”

The program has greatly impacted the youth participants.

“CrossFit has been so amazing,” Strouse said. “It’s very forward-thinking.”

The participants perform community service as part of the Youth Empowerment Program.

“They’re working hard and learning about the agencies they are working for,” Strouse said.

And the people who run or utilize those agencies are learning about the kids. The connection gives the public the opportunity to see them as Hany sees them: as youths with potential to become great people who live great lives.

“It’s important for the community to see our youth. It’s important for them to meet these kids,” Hany said. “They are generally in court because of circumstances that started in ways that were not of their own doing.”