The Davidson County program helps endangered teenagers to graduate, not to go into crime

Nashville, Tenn. (WZTV) – After 20 years in the creation, a new possibility that troubled teenagers turn their lives around is reality.

The judge Dinkins Education Center is open in Nashville and teaches these teenagers a trade.

FOX 17 News has reported on teenagers that they committed crimes, got out of prison and insult poorer charges again.

Judge Jim Death wants to stop it before it matters there. His program offers teenagers who are at risk of becoming criminals, the tools they need to become productive members of society.

Carpentry, electrical work and construction work are some of the shops that have taught the students of the judge Dinkin's education center.

Seven students graduated last week, with the high school diplomas earned in the one-year program.

All of them are different teenagers, but what do they have in common? A challenging life at home.

“I would say badly. I have a safe place, but I would not call it home. Like children when they leave school, go home to their family as if I were going home to a hotel,” said 16-year-old Koby Greer, one of JDEC's graduates.

He told Fox 17 News that he had previously went to the McGavock High School, where he went on the wrong way by making bad decisions such as skipping the school.

Judge Jim Todd said he kept seeing stories like Green's game.

When he was a prosecutor before the youth court, a certain teenager really opened his eyes.

“He said I robbed the man to get money to get my brother and my mother out of the projects. And then it became clear to me that there was a separation in the way the society and the court systems,” said Richter Todd.

So he and Frank Abernathy discussed with JDEC 20 years ago, and it's finally here.

To get JDEC going, Richter Todd had to collect money and even use some of his own.

One of his donors was Jelly Roll, whom he followed years ago.

“He learned from our program and called me. And after a few cursing words about me that move him in, he said, I heard what they were doing and I want to help,” said judge Todd.

The program also offers advice. The teachers and classmates are a support system. It is a home in the distance for those who have none.

“It's a real, real family,” said Greer.

Thanks to this program, Greer turned around a corner.

He has a construction certificate, plans to go to college and dream of becoming a digital designer.

It was in JDEC's classroom where his passion for art grew.

An opportunity he would not have had otherwise and an opportunity he wants for others.

“If you try to get some money, change your life, or try to improve your life and you are not on this way, the judge Dinkin's education center occurs and does it right

Judge Todd told Fox 17 News that there is a waiting list. He said he wanted to expand the program to reach more young people, but they need money. To donate, you can click on this link to change life.

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