Former Ypsilanti felon is on supreme mission to curb crime, stop violence
YPSILANTI, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A Ypsilanti-based community group led by people who were formerly incarcerated is helping curb violence in Washtenaw County.
The group is working with ex-offenders and helping turn teens away from a life of violence and crime.
Billy Cole, president and executive director of Supreme Felons, says the idea for the group was birthed behind bars.
"I was an individual that did so long in prison that I put the word out there," Cole said. "I came up with the idea while incarcerated but didn't know how to execute."
Supreme Felons is comprised mostly of ex-offenders and is backed by the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Jerry Clayton spoke in support of the group last year amid criticism and pushback from some community members.
"If we truly want to prevent and reduce crime, we are in desperate need of individuals with lived experience to step forward to do the work of keeping neighborhoods safe," Clayton said.
The goal of Supreme Felons is to reduce recidivism and help heal the neighborhoods where many of the group members were once hurt.
"Based on guys being paroled, you have an opportunity to be affiliated with our reentry and what we offer," Cole said. "So, when they come out, they look for it. They look for us."
Team members near Ypsilanti's transit center collect intake forms, hand out essentials like toiletries, and help with housing and job placement.
Cole's on a mission to reach young people before they commit a violent crime, but if they make a decision that leads to jail time, he says he wants them to know there is help when they return home.
"Although some may not like it, the fact remains that the most effective messengers are often individuals who at one time may have been the victim or the perpetrator," he said.