Friday Feature: David Windecher, Founder of RED, Inc., Author of "The American Dream HisStory in the Making, and Owner of the Windecher Firm

David Lee Windecher

Founder of Non Profit: Red, Inc.

Owner of the Windecher Firm

Author of "The American Dream HisStory in the Making"

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This Friday's feature will leave you feeling inspired, I know that I certainly am! David and I share the same mentor (shout out to Manny Arora) and have been colleagues in the Atlanta legal community for years. David is doing some amazing things with youth and their families--through founding RED a non profit organization that helps juveniles facing non-violent criminal charges get their GED, providing inspiration through a transparent depiction of his life story in his book: "The American Dream HisStory in the Making", and serving as mentor for kids going through Dekalb County's diversion programs.  He is a passionate advocate for the youth in our community and his personal experiences in the court system allow him to truly resonate with kids that may be going through difficult situations. David has been featured in the AJC, The Daily Report, NPR, and the Miami Herald to name a few. While he has accomplished so much, he is down to earth and kind—he truly lives out his message each and every day.

Q: Could you begin by telling me about your non-profit, RED, Inc.? Who is eligible?
RED Inc.'s mission is to increase literacy, reduce poverty and stop recidivism amongst America's youth.  RED Inc. is the D.B.A. for Rehabilitation Enables Dreams. The non-profit was founded on the basis that people can change and their dreams can become a reality if they so dare to pursue their aspirations despite the challenges associated with having a criminal history. 
 
RED Inc. focuses on two areas of the criminal justice system - Diversion programs and Re-Entry programs. So, the persons who are eligible are first-time offenders who are required to enroll with a court's diversion program and inmates who are serving an extensive prison sentence and preparing to re-enter society. 
 
For first-time offenders, the focus is on mentoring them away from the behaviors which lead to their arrest. The goal is to prevent them from being arrested for a second time. For long-term inmates, the autobiography is used as required reading material for a creative writing program that is part of their transition out of the detention center and back into the community. The goal is to prevent recidivism by inspiring them to believe that they too can lead an admirable life despite their history.

Q: Can you give some examples of how your serve the youth in our community through RED, Inc.?
The majority of the adolescents I engage on a one-on-one basis are first-time non-violent offenders who can be rehabilitated and kept out of the criminal justice system with proper treatment. It truly is a case-by-case approach because each adolescent I encounter comes equipped with a unique set of circumstances. 
 
The following examples are not an exhaustive list but, a majority of these adolescents face the challenge of a single parent or broken home, others have minimal resources due to being impoverished and most are academic underachievers which affects their confidence in all areas of life. So, what we do is perform a diagnostic by sitting face-to-face and discussing all aspects of their personal lives. Then, that information is used to determine which method would best serve the adolescent's future interest. Some need GED program sponsoring. Some need life skills - such as learning how to prepare a resume; or understanding how to open a bank account and balance a checkbook; or how to dress for and conduct a job interview. 
 
There is no one-size fits all resolution. Our focus is always on the individual and how we can help them develop into the best version of themselves. 

 Q: What advice do you have for parents of teens?
Be a parent. Be strong even when your children are slow to develop and mature. A strong parent is an essential resource for an adolescent. It can be frustrating at times. But tough it out. You will be rewarded for your strength when you see the impact it will have on your child once they begin to mature. And most importantly, do not call the police on your child unless it is absolutely necessary. An arrest for arguing with a parent at home could lead the child down a dark path. Police will arrest your child. The criminal justice system is no place for a child who is still maturing. Be a parent. Endure. Endure. Endure. 
 
Fun Question: What is your favorite movie? And, you mentioned a favorite quote as well?
My old-school favorite movie is Goodfellas. It is a classic with a star studded line-up of tremendously talented actors. Plus, who doesn't like a good gangster movie?  Speaking of gangster movies, my new-school favorite movie is Straight Outta Compton. It is a true story. Like mine. What those guys did truly shows that no one has more potential to rise than those who start at the very bottom. I have always been inspired by them. 

My favorite quote has always been - "How someone responds to their success says a lot more about the person than their success itself."

To learn more about David Windecher, you can visit the website for RED, Inc. (http://www.stoprecidivism.org/), his book, "The American Dream: HisStory in the Making" (http://www.hisstoryinthemaking.com/) his law firm, The Windecher Firm ( http://www.windecherfirm.com/).

Kathryn Boortz has a passion for working with youth and their families. ​She is the founder of Boortz Law, a law firm that focuses on juvenile defense.