DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A diversion program for young adults arrested for nonviolent felonies in DeKalb County is celebrating its sixth group of graduates.

Fifteen people graduated from STRIDE, which stands for Stopping Trends of Repeat Incarceration with Diversion and Education.

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston launched the program for people between the ages of 17 and 24. The yearlong program includes cognitive behavioral therapy, meetings with the diversion unit, community service and restitution.

“To say that we’re not giving up on them, that we’re offering them second chances. One mistake does not have to define your life and who you are,” Boston said.

Among the graduates is 22-year-old Amir Gilbert, who entered the program after facing gun possession and theft by receiving charges.

“STRIDE has taught me for one to have more confidence in myself, and secondly that I can do anything when I work hard for it,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert said cognitive behavioral therapy helped him examine the decisions that led to his charges.

“That helps, talking about why I did certain things and also it helps a lot that my girlfriend and my family lets me know that I’m doing the right thing,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert now works in customer care with DeKalb Sanitation and said the program helped him adjust to working regularly.

“I never thought I would be able to wake up and go to work everyday, so once STRIDE put me in a position to let me do it, I understand that that’s the way to live,” Gilbert said.

“Giving young people second chances and opportunities is a glorious thing,” Boston said.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Veronica Waters contributed to this story.