Engaged for the Better

Project Engage Program Enlightens Participants and Helps Shape Community

BY BRANDY MUELLER

Project Engage recently celebrated its tenth anniversary, and what a busy time it has been throughout 2022! The award-winning diversion program created by Judge Brandy Mueller, Travis County Court No. 6, which aims to keep teenage defendants out of jail by giving them structure and support, continues to thrive in Central Texas. Providing guidance through positive outreach and engagement opportunities for juvenile offenders, the program has completed many events this year and seeks to continue next year. To commemorate the anniversary, supporter and Grammy winner SaulPaul was on hand with Judge Mueller to share inspiration with Project Engage participants.

With both in-person and virtual events throughout the year, Project Engage continuously strives to be a beacon of light for young offenders as they strive to get on track. The well-received program has received national recognition as a model for others to follow. It is also supported by Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey. Here are a few highlights of what has been happening with Project Engage.

VISION BOARDS

Participants met with local volunteer Yasmin Evans to learn how to make vision boards. The concept is to create a vision for the future using creative ways to visually highlight plans and ideas. The objective for each individual is to use the vision board as a daily reminder to stay on the right path.

Project Engage volunteer Yasmin Evans explains the purpose of a vision board to program participants.

GRADUATION

There is nothing like a sweet pup to put a smile on faces! Service dog Bruno attended our 2022 Project Engage graduation. Participants received their honors and a “doggy handshake.” Bruno is part of Divine Canines.

Bruno the therapy dog greets 2022 Project Engage graduates

Grammy-winning artist SaulPaul supporting Project Engage with Judge Brandy Mueller

READING OF DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

This annual event, held by the Austin Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (ACDLA) and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA), takes place on the steps of our courthouse, the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. The organizations are excitedly joining together to give participants a chance to share in the spirit of the community.

Judge Mueller says the opportunity to share insight with the youth in her courtroom through positive works, goal-setting, and guidance is something she is honored to do and believes our community is better for it. AL

Actor Matthew McConaughey sharing thoughts during a Zoom meeting along with Judge Mueller and Project Engage coordinators and supporters