Local Organization That Works To Keep Non-Violent Offenders Out Of Prison Looks To Expand

A Tulsa program, designed to keep young men out of prison, needs help expanding. 

"1st Step Male Diversion Program" is working to grow and increase education about what they do, to make a bigger impact in the community.

In 2022, the program served more than 30 men, the largest number of people it’s helped since launching five and a half years ago. 

The participants receive classes on substance abuse, financial literacy and parenting. Every man who graduates from the program is sober, living independently, and employed at a job making $15 an hour or more. 

Executive Director David Phillips says he loves seeing how the men are transformed. 

He says when the men first enter the program, they live day-to-day and as they progress through it, they start to plan for the future. 

"Young Men were sitting there talking about whether it was more beneficial to put money into an IRA or was it more beneficial to go to school. Men that never dreamed of going to school are going to school. They never dreamed that they would be able to support their families are able to support their families,” 1st Step Male Diversion Program Executive Director, David Phillips, said. 

One of the biggest challenges the program faces is providing space for participants to live temporarily while they are a part of the program. 

The organization is applying for grants and fundraising to pay for new residences. Leaders say they are hoping the community considers supporting them as well. 

Those interested in making a donation can Click Here.