We are so appreciative of Judge J.J. Costello for his incorporation of our UUCC Pretrial Support Team into his Court. From the Annual Report:
“Also new this year, the Court began collaborating with the Pretrial Support Team project of the Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Cleveland to help support felony defendants. Each felony defendant is provided with the Pretrial Support Team’s contact information, and the Team, in turn, is given any contact information provided by the defendant.
The Pretrial Support Team then offers voluntary support to people navigating the pretrial phase of their court case. They connect participants with essential resources, such as transportation, temporary housing, groceries, and clothing, while providing court reminders, assistance with warrant resolution, and links to other community services to help them meet their obligations and stay on track.
Managed by a dedicated team of UUCC members, the program pairs participants with volunteer Navigators—community members from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience in the justice system, retired professionals, and students—who provide consistent, one-on-one support throughout the pretrial period.”
