By Alexis Yancey, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-919431.mp3
Dallas, TX – An intense rehabilitation program called the Dallas Pride Court is transforming the lives of addicted prostitutes. As Alexis Yancey reports, the program helps prostitutes break the cycle of being arrested and jailed only to return to street life.
New Orleans native Mary Mathieu came to Dallas after surviving Hurricane Katrina. But the 50-year old ended up on the streets, not sure if she would survive a life of drugs and prostitution.
Mary Mathieu: "Out there in the streets doing drugs, ripping and running, ruining my life. I came into the program because I didn't want to die out there.
Mary got a chance to change her life with the Dallas Pride Court. The volunteer program is offered to women charged with misdemeanor prostitution. Pride Court works with police and social service agencies to help the women get counseling, drug treatment and job skills. Criminal Court Judge Peggy Hoffman supervises the year-long program.
Judge Peggy Hoffman: Once you kind of delve through the past trauma they've experienced, some the mental issues and drug issues, they are really wonderful people.
Dallas police sergeant Louis Felini created the program after realizing many of the prostitutes he was continuously arresting, wanted help.
Louis Felini: As law enforcement officers we believed they didn't want help or that we could help them. They're continuing to prove us wrong."
Women in the program are surprised to discover the officers who arrest them care. 32 year old Zetta Makin joined the program a month ago.
Zetta Makin: "The police are looking at women a little differently nowadays and actually are willing to help us than just always putting us behind bars."
Mary Mathieu is the Pride Court's second graduate. She's off drugs, working, and completed computer training to support herself. Finishing the program dismissed all charges against her.
Mary Mathieu: I'm grateful. I want to thank God for changing my life around. My life was at stake. I don't think I would have made it without the help I got.
Now instead of going back to the streets, Mathieu is heading towards getting her GED.