An Ογ½ΆΠγ nonprofit is getting an infusion of technology equipment to help provide training in computer literacy to local residents transitioning out of the justice system.
The Diversion Hub has received a significant grant of tech equipment β including MacBooks, iPads and software β from Ογ½ΆΠγ University and Apple.
The nonprofit works to connect justice system-involved individuals and families to life-stabilizing resources and services. The grant will be instrumental in the Diversion Hubβs efforts to educate and empower families and community members, particularly by addressing the critical need for income stabilization and digital literacy, agency Executive Director Meagan Taylor said.
βOur goal is to empower justice-involved women and families to break harmful cycles by building positive relationships, job skills and creating long-term stabilization, ultimately fostering self-sufficiency and reducing recidivism,β Taylor said.
In addition to supporting general digital literacy, the grant enables the Diversion Hub to better assist clients with resume building, online job applications, and educational pursuits such as GED completion.
Ογ½ΆΠγ officials noted that equipping the Diversion Hub with such resources can make an immediate difference in the community.
βThis grant is more than just technology; itβs an investment in people,β said Amy Cataldi, dean of Ογ½ΆΠγβs Petree College of Arts & Sciences and one of the grant evaluators. βThe Diversion Hub is a prime example of how a compassionate, holistic approach can transform lives.β
Ογ½ΆΠγ Kramer School of Nursing Dean Gina Crawford, another grant evaluator, pointed out the logic behind partnering with the Diversion Hub.
βIn a state with some of the highest incarceration and recidivism rates in the country, the Diversion Hub serves as one of our best hopes of ending this harmful cycle,β Crawford said. βThey do so much to help so many people get their lives back on track, and we are proud to assist their efforts in this way.β
The Diversion Hub serves nearly 6,000 justice-involved individuals and families annually in Oklahoma. The organization streamlines the process of providing comprehensive social services, advocacy and access to assistance as a βone-stop shopβ for its clients. A significant portion of their clients face unemployment, highlighting the urgent need for income-stabilizing programs.
Taylor said agency staff plan to meet regularly to evaluate progress related to the grant and brainstorm ideas for improvement. The initiative aims to have a final report on implementation and outcomes submitted to the university by June 1, 2026. School officials plan to seek ways to leverage the research results to inform future initiatives in the spaces of recidivism and educational rehabilitation.
