T-L Photo/GAGE VOTA Jessica Cooke teaches a Crossfit For Change class.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A program that helps area youth become physically and mentally fit is winding down its spring session with the support of several organzations.

Crossfit for Change is a crossfit program operated through the Belmont County Juvenile Court system.

The program offers youngsters involved in the juvenile justice system to become physically fit, working out side-by-side with probation officers. It creates a safe place for the youth to talk about problems and have a positive role model.

Those enrolled are required to participate in mental health counseling, as well.

Sessions are held twice a week, after school, with probation officers providing transportation.

There are two ways that children get involved in Crossfit for Change – either Judge Al Davies will order them into the program during criminal proceedings or their probation officer may decide to order them into the program. Davies has given probation officers the authority to assign children under their oversight into the program.

Every child involved in the Crossfit for Change program has already been adjudicated a delinquent child and is currently on probation.

“Once these kids that have been through this program come off probation, we generally do not see these kids again. They are not repeat offenders,” Davies said.

The program runs for five months and is usually set up so that the children complete the program and their probation simultaneously.

“We have two graduating classes if you will. One in December and one in the spring,”

Davis said while speaking on the timing of the program.

He said the program is also a part of the summer Concentrated Conduct Adjustment Program. The summer program is a little different from the program that runs through the school year. The summer program involves credit recovery if the child needs to recover school hours, life skills, mental health counseling, the crossfit program or community service.

“This is my favorite program we have, it’s just the best,” Davies said while celebrating the Crossfit for Change program last week.

Crossfit for Change is sponsored by the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas Probate Juvenile Division, Ohio Valley Crossfit, Gulfport Energy, Mental Health and Recovery Board and the United Way.

Another sponsor, Gulfport Energy, donated $5,000 to Crossfit for Change on Thursday to help the program continue.

“Gulfport strives to positively impact and improve the communities where we live and operate. We uphold our corporate responsibilities and recognize that our operations create a significant economic and social impact here in Ohio, and we actively engage within the community to support education, health, human services, environmental stewardship and our veterans,” Field Land Manager Brett Marlow said.