PEORIA, Ill. -- One group of men and women with a reputation for being on the wrong side with the law, are now working with them. For the past three months, they have volunteered in an effort to increase the peace.
Past court appearances meant jail time for Robert Kennedy, Jarvis Williams and the rest of a group of men
"I'm on my good side, I've been on my bad side too. I've been incarcerated. I've did my time I'm out here for the community now instead of for the homies," said ELITE RE-Entry Graduate Robert Kennedy.
"I was in this same court room two years ago for a violation of my supervised release. At that time I realize doing the wrong thing is just not going to work. I lost a lot of time I have a young daughter. I've missed her whole life, and I don't wish to do that anymore," said program participant Jarvis Williams.
Williams and Kennedy are among the 13 graduates of the ELITE Re-entry program.
Under the adult federal supervision program, students are connected with potential employers. Federal Judge James Shadid says they are on the right track.
"I think the example I used from the first graduating class where there were six members this has now doubled. Five took advantage and are now working, one didn't and went back to the streets, last week he was shot and killed," said U.S. Federal Judge James Shadid.
Judge Shadid is referring to Kensey Ross who Peoria police found murdered outside his Riverwest apartment last week.
"Recidivism is real, and if we don't address that the crime the next time around is elevated," said program founder Carl Cannon.
Five of the graduates already had jobs but are looking for better employment. Now that they've finished the three month program the men and women look forward to using those life skills and making a positive difference in the community.
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