St. Louis County Tap In Center honored by FOCUS St. Louis

By Red Latina

The Tap In Center has become a model for how communities can address public safety issues with compassion and support.

The program has demonstrated that access to legal assistance and mental health resources can make a significant impact on reducing recidivism rates and creating a safer and more just society. The program has also helped to reduce the burden on taxpayers by offering an alternative to incarceration and supporting defendants in maintaining their employment and family connections.

The Tap In Center’s success has led to the expansion of the program, with additional locations now serving more individuals in need.

The Center’s recognition by FOCUS St. Louis highlights the critical role that communityled initiatives play in promoting equity and justice for all.The Tap In Center’s success is a testament to the power of collaboration and community-driven solutions. This project exemplifies the benefits of partnerships between government agencies, non-profits, and community institutions in addressing systemic issues in the criminal justice system.

By providing free legal assistance and mental health resources to those in need, the Tap In

Center is working towards a more just and equitable society.

The Center’s model has also inspired other communities to adopt similar initiatives that prioritize rehabilitation and support over punitive measures. The Tap In Center is a shining example of how innovative solutions can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal. The Tap In Center operates at the Florissant Valley Library Branch every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and on the first Tuesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Library Branch.

The MacArthur Foundation Safety & Justice Challenge Grant has provided funding for the program, while the St. Louis County Library generously provides the space for the Tap In Center to operate free of charge.

The Tap In Center’s

innovative approach to addressing public safety issues has not gone unnoticed. Its success has garnered attention from other communities that may wish to implement similar programs to help their citizens. Furthermore, the recognition of the program by FOCUS St. Louis indicates that the Tap In Center is a model of excellence for similar initiatives in the region. The program’s collaborative partnership brings together various entities, including the government, libraries, foundations, and public defender’s office.

With its impressive track record, the Tap In Center has proven that it is possible to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people who need legal assistance and community support services. By continuing to provide a safe space for those in need, the program will help keep people out of the criminal justice system, maintain employment and family connections, and access essential resources for treatment and support. The success of the Tap In Center serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing public safety issues holistically, and it encourages others to take action and create programs that benefit their communities.