Courtesy photo
Delta Force students gather in front of the Delta County Court House on Law & Order Day, held on June 27.
ESCANABA–On Delta Force Law & Order Day, students were in awe hearing about the challenges our law enforcement professionals face on a daily basis.
The day included a tour of Bay Pines Center and discussions with juvenile offenders, lunch, presentations about the drug problem and criminal justice system, and a tour of the Delta County Jail.
During our visit to the Bay Pines Juvenile Center, we learned from Center Director Patrick McKeage about how he and his staff aim to rehabilitate the young residents through productive activities, extensive mental health therapy, and daily tasks.
One of the highlights of our tour of Bay Pines was the beautiful garden area, where the staff and residents grow and cultivate many different types of vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers. They also take care of a large flock of chickens.
Bay Pines Center Program Manager and Trades Instructor Tom Wetthuhn explained that the goal at the center is to teach the residents in the all-girl facility techniques in dealing with their problems and guiding them in making positive choices — even helping out in our community — so that they can return to their communities as productive citizens.
“We get them out into the local community to help out,” Wetthuhn explained. “Through Michigan Rehabilitation Services, the girls are able to become productive citizens through work, for instance, in assisting the residents of LakeHouse Assisted Living with their day-to-day tasks, and helping elderly people with their yard work.”
The girls are also able to study online through Edgenuity to receive their high school diploma, with some graduating early. When finished, the students receive an Escanaba High School diploma, and even have the opportunity to take college courses.
One resident I spoke to is nearly finished with her high school classes and will receive her diploma in August–and she’s only 15. (She is slated for release from the Center soon.)
Two years ago, this resident, who is from downstate Benton Harbor, was in a much different situation.
With no father in her life and a mother with schizophrenia, she said her grandparents did not give her rules to follow. She says she was “hanging with the wrong crowd,” which eventually led to her stealing a car.
Now, she says, “I’m happy that I am here. I had to have structure.” Some of the activities she takes part in–besides taking online high school courses–include playing the ukulele, taking art lessons, dancing, and taking part in therapy sessions to help her with her anger.
“I’ve learned positive coping skills to control my anger,” she says. “This summer, I’m going to get my high school diploma, and I want to go on to cosmetology school, and eventually, go to college to be a social worker.”
She said that no one in her family has gone on to receive a college degree. Her motivation is to help young people who do not have parents to go home to. “I want to be the first person from my family who makes it to college, and help kids like me. I want to be that person they can talk to.”
Delta Force student Dr. Robert Yin was impressed by the steps that Bay Pines takes to get the girls back on the right track. “One of the most surprising things that I learned today is the fact that the girls can receive their high school diploma by age 15, and can go on to receive college credit. That’s quite amazing.”
McKeage explained how the Center has seen positive outcomes.
“We absolutely see good results,” McKeage said. “With our three licensed mental health therapists, two licensed practical social workers and a licensed counselor, we are able to provide the girls with the help they need, so that they can return to the outside world changed for the better.”
One of the therapists, Carrie Rasmussen, has already made a difference in the girls’ lives.
“Miss R is very caring,” the young resident smiled. “We love her so much.”
The girls also learn food service skills, eventually becoming ServSafe certified. Delta Force students got to sample their work by enjoying lunch made in the Bay Pines kitchen. (It was delicious.)
Along with touring Bay Pines, Delta Force students learned from members of the Delta County law enforcement and legal system.
After touring the jail, students heard from Sheriff Ed Oswald, Sergeant Keith Carlson, Lieutenants Jeff Vallier, Kurt Wilson, and Jeff Erickson, and Detective Sergeant Tabitha Turnacliff, who discussed some of the challenges they face and how they work together to create a safe community. Three officers offered to be tasered in front of the students as part of their training (being tasered is an option in their training.)
Students felt the day’s tours and presentations were enlightening, with many saying the professionalism shown by our sheriff, officers, judge, prosecutor, and the directors and therapists at Bay Pines who help to rehabilitate the inmates was incredible.
“Law and Order Day was extremely informative,” Delta Force student Rachel Davison said. “I wish everyone in our community knew what we just learned, especially the information about plea bargaining and minimum and maximum sentencing guidelines. I love Delta Force!”
Delta Force students ended the day with a visit to the Delta County Circuit Courtroom, and listened to presentations by Circuit Court Judge John Economopoulos and Prosecutor Lauren Wickman.
Created and facilitated by the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Force encompasses a series of 10 full-day sessions designed to be highly interactive and thought-provoking. A typical day involves a combination of group discussions, field trips, and presentations by respected local leaders. Visit deltami.org/delta-force-leadership-program.
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Victoria LaFave is with the Delta County Chamber of Commerce.