Welcome to
My Journey Matters
A program for young offenders in Fulton County that provides the opportunity to choose a different path and avoid prison
A program for young offenders in Fulton County that provides the opportunity to choose a different path and avoid prison
My Journey Matters provides an alternative to incarceration for young offenders who are referred to, and accepted in, the program. Instead of a prison sentence that will return these individuals to society without any meaningful intervention, My Journey Matters seeks to promote public safety and provide rehabilitation while reducing recidivism.
My Journey Matters does not take a one-size-fits-all approach. We recognize that a variety of factors have influenced the individual and their choices. Therefore, each participant is screened for a variety of considerations that are indicators of success in the program.
Put your money to work directly in your community. Donations of any amount are welcome and will directly support the efforts of the Fulton County Superior Court and the Community Oriented Policing Section (COPS) of the Atlanta Police Department in providing educational, employment, and home support services to My Journey Matters participants.
Before her appointment to the Georgia Supreme Court, Shawn LaGrua was a Fulton County Superior Court Judge who saw the need for an accountability court for the rising number of young offenders she was seeing in her courtroom. Recognizing that sending a teenager to prison for 10 years without any job training or education meant that they would be returned to society where they would likely re-offend, she started My Journey Matters to give some of those offenders a chance to turn their lives around.
My Journey Matters is now administered out of the courtroom of Judge Rachelle Carnesale in Fulton County Superior Court. Like Justice LaGrua, Judge Carnesale provides some offenders the opportunity to avoid a lifetime of incarceration through close supervision, substance abuse counseling and treatment, education, parenting classes, and job training.
"I am glad I had the chance to do the [MJM] program. You've got to stick with it. The Judge was tough, but she gave me a chance to get my life back."
Christian was arrested while still in high school. 6 years later he completed the My Journey Matters program, during which time he got his GED, volunteered as a trainer with Canine Cellmates as part of his community service requirement, and got an apartment and a job with the help of the program.
"When the judge gave me a second chance at life, I cried. I would recommend this program to someone in my shoes."
Tarik was arrested when he was in high school. He spent 7 years completing My Journey Matters. During his time in the program, he was able to get his own apartment and received help finding a construction job. He now helps support and co-parents his children.
"I appreciate the understanding and grace they give. [My Journey Matters] gives people the space to be better if they want to be better."
After being arrested at a protest, Danny is due to graduate from the program in 2023. He was able to keep his job while in MJM and acknowledges that he has evolved through his work in the program.
Patrick was arrested shortly after his 13th birthday. At age 19 he has a job, is scheduled to take the GED exam, and will be enlisting in the army in 2024. His mother is understandably proud of his commitment to changing his life for the better.
Having a family member who cares about your progress often determines whether you will succeed in My Journey Matters.
Hear from Justice LaGrua and Judge Carnesale
My Journey Matters accepts monetary donations through our PayPal account and direct donations of supplies for the children of participants through various organizations. If your organization would like to organize a "Drive for Supplies," please contact us at MyJourneyMattersATL@gmail.com
Please reach us at myjourneymattersatl@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Yes! Please make your check payable to My Journey Matters, Inc. and use the following address:
My Journey Matters
Attn: D. Max Hirsch
150 E. Ponce De Leon Ave. Suite 450
Decatur, GA 30030
Some participants will take part in parenting classes and may benefit from donations of diapers and formula to ease financial stressors while taking part in the program. If you would like to donate items such as these, please email Kristin Childers at MyJourneyMattersATL@gmail.com to make arrangements. We regret that we cannot accept opened boxes of diapers or formula.
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