Navigation Team Meeting Recap: Preventing Harm, Supporting Recovery, and Building Safer Communities

On February 13, 2026, the Max Loves Midland Navigation Team gathered to discuss the community’s progress, challenges, and opportunities in building a thriving and inclusive Midland County. The meeting brought together community leaders, advocates, and stakeholders to share updates, collaborate, and strategize for the future. Our topic was how Midland County is ‘Preventing Harm, Supporting Recovery, and Building Safer Communities’.

Key Updates

The agenda included updates on several impactful programs:

Recovery Court: Judge Michael J. Beale shared the program’s mission to rehabilitate individuals with substance use disorders through judicial collaboration, case management, and treatment. With 99 graduates to date and a recidivism rate of 19%, the program continues to make strides in transforming lives. The 100th graduate is scheduled for May 14, 2026.
MiHOPE Program: Judge Stephen P. Carras presented updates on this prison diversion program targeting high-risk felony offenders. With a recidivism rate of 22% and an 82% employment rate among participants, MiHOPE is making a significant impact on reducing criminal behavior and promoting rehabilitation.
Mental Health Court: Judge Carras also shared insights into the Mental Health Court, which focuses on helping offenders with mental health challenges achieve stability and recovery. The program has a 43% successful completion rate and a recidivism rate of 25%, significantly lower than the state average.

Community Engagement and Support

The meeting emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting these programs. Attendees were encouraged to:

Advocate for sustainable solutions to address barriers such as housing, transportation, and employment for program participants.
Donate items like bus tickets, gas cards, and personal care products to support participants.
Spread awareness about the positive impact of Recovery Court, MiHOPE, and Mental Health Court to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health.

School Resource Officers: Building Safe and Supportive Schools

Deputy Jodye Streeter and Officer Ryan Baxter highlighted the critical role of School Resource Officers (SROs) in fostering safe and supportive learning environments. SROs serve as trusted adults, community connectors, and safety experts, prioritizing prevention, guidance, and accountability over enforcement. The team discussed ways to enhance the SRO program and emphasized the importance of community support for its continued success.

Looking Ahead

The meeting concluded with a call to action for attendees to engage with the Max Loves Midland initiative, share updates, and participate in upcoming events. The next Navigation Team meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 15, 2026, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Griswold Communication Building, Northwood University.

Together, the Max Loves Midland Navigation Team continues to work toward a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future for Midland County. Let’s keep the momentum going!

Kevin LaDuke closed the speaker portion with an update on Max Loves Midland. He shared the origins of Max, which grew out of the Communities of Excellence process and the need for a stronger mechanism to connect the work of the Community Success Panel with the broader community. Kevin highlighted milestones from the year, including significant growth in website traffic, nearly six thousand community events submitted to the calendar, continued success of the Max Loves Midland Show, and strong local engagement with stories and resources. Upcoming plans include new partnerships, expanded content, AI-supported tools, and future enhancements designed to help every resident feel connected to the county.