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JCPC programs report summer surge in referrals, staff additions and new school outreach
Summary
Program leads told the Buncombe County JCPC that summer outreach and SRO briefings boosted referrals, several positions were filled, and Pivot Point added a full‑time community liaison to improve retention and school follow‑up.
Program leads and council staff reported stepped‑up summer outreach, new hires and program growth at the Buncombe County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council meeting.
Several program directors described active summer recruitment and stronger connections with school resource officers (SROs). Richard Caro, operations director for Umoja Health, Wellness, and Justice Collective, said JCPC‑funded programs presented to county SROs this summer to increase referrals and that SROs responded with ideas to streamline referrals.
Staffing and hires: Hannah Leggerton, JCPC staff support, said two vacant court‑service positions have been filled: Alicia Calhoun as court counselor supervisor and Corey Harmon as a court counselor. Pivot Point introduced Louie Lindsey as a new full‑time community liaison; Lindsey’s role is to work directly with schools and families to improve retention and complete program paperwork.
Program enrollment and referrals: Robin Frazier of Aspire Youth and Family said the “Kids at Work” culinary interpersonal‑skills program enrolled 10 participants with six additional referrals pending intake. Aspire’s Connections program (music and video production) has four youths participating; Kim Castagno (Aspire) credited a summer partnership with Umoja for added referrals.
Court‑linked programs: Karen Pearson and other juvenile court staff reported that Team Court and Earn & Learn saw stronger high‑school referrals this summer. Karen Pearson said Team Court currently has eight males and Earn & Learn has 16 males enrolled; several high schools (North Buncombe and Asheville High) referred youth directly. Staff described wraparound mentoring and volunteer supports being put in place for higher‑risk older youth.
Other program notes: Umoja circulated new rack cards and John R. Hayes High Stepping Major and Drum Corps performed at community events this summer. Pivot Point reported that an after‑school cohort exceeded its funded target. Staff said they would circulate program schedules and opportunities for JCPC members to attend teen‑court sessions and other program events.
Council members and staff emphasized that stronger school outreach, a retained community liaison and closer SRO relationships are intended to increase appropriate referrals and reduce gaps in service continuity.
