A 32-year-old creative sentencing program lets nonviolent offenders skip jail and grow food for local food banks, senior centers and more.
PERRY TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A one-acre garden in Perry Township lets people convicted of nonviolent misdemeanor offenses skip jail time and work the land instead.
The court's chief probation officer said the creative sentencing program began 32 years ago. The program is run by the Painesville Municipal Court. The program offers people with nonviolent misdemeanor offenses a chance to serve the community rather than serving jail time. It allows them to keep a job, stay at home and pay their debt to society by working the land.
"Some of the offenders are in a diversion program, so if they do everything the courts ask them to do, they're going to have their case dismissed," said David Washlock, the chief probation officer. Court garden supervisor Wally Siegel said the workers take their responsibilities seriously.
"They're not troublemakers; they screwed up, they get out here, and they're not a problem. They work really hard, they listen, do what they're told. That's all I can ask for," Siegel said. On opening day, Wednesday, a dozen workers put in cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes and more.
"We planted a couple hundred plants here today. Cucumbers, strawberries, tomatoes. We have a bunch more to do," Siegel said. When crops are ready to be harvested, the fruits and vegetables go directly to people in need.
"We'll take it to the food bank. We'll take it to the senior centers, the Salvation Army, the Teen Challenge," Siegel said. The garden produces enough to make a significant impact each week.
"Every week, we take out two to three pickup loads, so it's a lot. We spread it out. Everybody is very appreciative, I know that," Siegel said. And for some participants, the garden becomes more than just a sentence.
"I've had people come back when their time is up because they like it," Siegel said. We Follow Through Want us to continue to follow through on a story? Let us know.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Coast Botanic Garden's ‘Sunset Series' has live tunes and fresh funThe Thursday evening events will feature music, activities for the youngsters, and sips for sale, too.
Read more »
Tens of thousands are making annual peony pilgrimage to University of Michigan’s gardenThe garden plant features showy red, pink and white blooms of many shades and varieties.
Read more »
Phoebe Bridgers Announces Phone-Free Concert at Madison Square Garden with $1 TicketsSinger-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers has announced a last-minute phone-free concert at Madison Square Garden in New York, with tickets priced between $1 and $20 via a lottery. The event supports the Community Justice Exchange's Immigration Bond Freedom Fund. Fans must lock away phones during the show. The announcement follows recent low-key performances in Texas and New Mexico and precedes a tour of several U.S. cities.
Read more »
This new French-Moroccan restaurant is set in a secret garden near Washington SquareSoufiane at the Morris, from the couple behind Sofi Corner Cafe, aims to turn a historic hotel into an all-day gathering spot with French and Moroccan cooking, cocktails, brunch, and courtyard dining.
Read more »