In a society often entangled with the complex webs of the justice system, the need for innovative, effective, and humane solutions is paramount. Taking a monumental stride toward building a more equitable justice system, the Oklahoma County Diversion Hub opened its doors in 2020, backed by a vital grant from the Arnall Family Foundation. Now, we are elated to celebrate an exciting milestone: the forthcoming construction of the Diversion Hub’s permanent facility. 

Pioneering Change in Justice Reform 

Sue Ann Arnall, president of the Arnall Family Foundation, has been a driving force behind the Diversion Hub since 2018. Early on in the process, she gathered crucial support and resources, turning the project from an idea into a lived reality grounded in public-private collaboration. 

Complementing Sue Ann’s vision is Meagan Taylor, the executive director of the Diversion Hub. She began her career as an assistant district attorney in Oklahoma County, gaining experience in misdemeanor, felony, and diversion courts. Her growing passion for diversion programs led her to join the Arnall Family Foundation, where she became an integral part of the Criminal Justice Reform Program team before moving into her role at the Diversion Hub. 

Now, Meagan leads a dedicated team of case managers and justice navigators. Together, they have addressed gaps in the justice system to lower the barriers experienced by justice-involved individuals and create community-based, equitable alternatives to incarceration. 

The synergy between Sue Ann’s strategic leadership and Meagan’s hands-on expertise has made the Diversion Hub a transformative initiative, redirecting the course of individuals and families away from the criminal justice system towards a more hopeful future. 

A New Chapter Begins: The New Building 

The Diversion Hub gained public support and was added as part of the MAPS4 program, a voter-approved sales tax initiative. The city has recently taken a significant step forward by green-lighting the construction of a dedicated building for the Diversion Hub. The groundbreaking for this state-of-the-art facility is set for early 2024, promising a new era for justice reform in Oklahoma County. 

Renderings courtesy of Rees Associates

A Round-Up of Impacts: Transforming Lives, One Story at a Time

The Diversion Hub’s journey from a startup initiative to a cornerstone institution is truly awe-inspiring. In 2022 alone, the center served an incredible 2,326 clients, 92% of whom avoided any new charges while engaged in the services provided. The program has notably reduced the recidivism rate to a mere 10.63%, outperforming Oklahoma’s overall recidivism rate by more than half. 

Celebrate the Future!

As we look ahead, we can’t help but feel overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. By marrying public resources with private commitment, we’re not just creating a building; we’re erecting a beacon of hope, a sanctuary of justice, and a testament to what can be achieved when we come together for the greater good. 

Let us continue this pioneering journey towards a more equitable Oklahoma. 

For more information about the Diversion Hub visit: https://www.diversionhub.org/