'Second Chance Offender Reentry Court' celebrates second round of graduates

YOUNGSTOWN The Second Chance Offender Reentry Court celebrated its second round of graduates at the Mahoning County Courthouse, located at 120 Market Street in Youngstown, on Wednesday.

Alexander Blandon, Samantha Manda, Allen Reed and Whister Winford received their certifications of completion from Judge Anthony Donofrio of the Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Second Chance Offender Reentry Court, also known as SCORE Court, is a specialty docket approved by the Ohio Supreme Court.

"Reentry court serves inmates from prison that are released early. They still have time hanging over their head, and they are released early on the condition that they successfully complete our program," said Judge Donofrio.

The program lasts for two to five years, allowing participants to be released from prison earlier upon completion.

Participants in the program are kept under supervision, but the court also aims to provide services to help them integrate or reintegrate into society.

"If they need education training, we get them that. If they need housing, we help them procure housing. If they have a drug or alcohol issue, we get them [rehabilitation] services," said Judge Donofrio.

The court and community partners, such as TRAVCO, First Step Recovery and Brightview all work together to help participants.

The goal of SCORE Court is to reduce recidivism, keeping participants out of the criminal justice system.

Success of this goal is measured by seeing if participants recidivate within three years of completing the program.

Judge Donofrio told 21 News that the SCORE Court program has seen a success rate of about 80%.

This means that 80% of participants do not recidivate or commit other crimes.

"You have to understand, a lot of these participants in the program have never had anybody in their corner. They had a tough life, they've come from tough circumstances and a harsh environment, and they've never had a pat on the back, and they've never been encouraged. So, that's what we're here for," said Judge Donofrio.

The first round of graduates from the program included Cyle Barnes and Austin Swigger in March of 2025.

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Second Chance Offender Court celebrates its first graduates in Mahoning County

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