Project Hope

Project Hope is a series of initiatives that employ Diversion and Deflection strategies that work with individuals who are engaged with, or about to be engaged with, the criminal justice system. It is not intended for everyone who commits crime, and there are those who belong in the criminal justice system. For others, extended engagement with the criminal justice system can have significantly negative impacts that go beyond the accountability that the system intends. Having been arrested, booked in jail, and convicted of a crime often have long lasting ramifications on an individual, even after they have "paid their debt to society". These strategies are employed with youth and adult populations. There are other definitions for the Diversion and Deflection terms, but locally, we define them as such: 

Diversion

A crime has been committed, but rather than have the individual go to jail and go through the criminal justice system, programming is offered as an alternative to keep the individual out of the system. As long as the person complies with the program, no formal charge(s) are filed.

Deflection 

A crime has not been committed, but an individual is at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Services and resources are offered proactively to prevent future criminal justice engagement.

If the criminal justice system were a stream, there are several points along that stream where an individual could get out. It begins with behaviors an individual makes and displays before they commit a crime. This is where Deflection would come into play. Project Hope staff would reach out to the individual and attempt to engage the person with a variety of resources and services. The intent is that once the individual is engaged with the correct support, they are more likely to make corrective action on their own, and not commit a crime to begin with. If the individual does commit a crime, and enters the criminal justice stream, it may become apparent, based on the totality of the circumstances, that the individual and the community are better served by having the individual engage with services and resources rather than move further down the stream. In instances such as this, a Deflection program would be appropriate. Project Hope staff may either direct the Diversion program, or engage the individual on the periphery of the program in hopes that the individual will be more successful in the program. The City of Menomonie and Dunn County have a variety of Diversion strategies and programs. Some are pre-arrest, and others are post-arrest. Both Diversion and Deflection initiatives boost self-esteem and confidence in the individual, reduce stigma, and save taxpayers money by keeping the individual out of jail and reducing the burden on the criminal justice system. It also allows attorneys and judges to focus on the individual who should be engaged in the system. 

Angels of Red Cedar (ARC)

Safe Spaces for Connection to Treatment

The Angels of Red Cedar (ARC) is a self-referral pathway initiative that allows people impacted by a substance use disorder a safe space to seek treatment.  If you or a loved one would like to be connected to substance use treatment please visit one of our ARC partner sites and ask for assistance.  You will be provided with information and connected with a member of Project Hope.  The member will assist with accessing in-patient or out-patient treatment, economic assistance, and other services to aid you in your recovery journey.  If you wish to turn in drugs or paraphernalia you may do so without fear of being arrested.  The sole purpose of the ARC initiative is to help people improve their health.

Please Note: The personal information of people seeking assistance will be kept confidential, and personal information will only be shared with your consent.  ARC is a HIPAA-compliant initiative.

Persons seeking treatment are welcome to go to one of our designated safe spaces in Dunn County.

Menomonie Police Department | Dunn County Sheriff's Office  | Menomonie Fire Department

Quick Response Team (QRT)

Helping Others Find Hope 

The QRT is a group of professionals -- Social Workers, Behavioral Health Officers, and Paramedics -- that conduct in-the-field interventions with persons who have experienced a non-fatal overdose or are suffering from a substance use disorder.  The QRT connects individuals to treatment opportunities and helps them overcome barriers to a healthier life.

How does it work?

The QRT wears plain clothes and visits with people who have a substance use disorder.  The QRT provides people with treatment options, connects them to economic support, and provides services in partnership with those seeking help.

Note: People participating in treatment coordinated by the QRT are confidential and protected by HIPAA.

Youth Response Team (YRT)

A multidisciplinary group that works collaboratively with community shareholders to respond to the critical needs of children at risk.