The Western Illinois Support and Engagement (WISE) Deflection Initiative aims to prevent people from becoming involved in the criminal justice system by redirecting them to specific support services.
WISE works with people who are struggling with substance use, mental health, homelessness, food insecurity, and more.
WISE Deflection Specialist Tracy Huber says it’s a free service that hopes to set people in the program up for success.
WISE receives referrals from local law enforcement in Mercer, Rock Island, Henry, Warren, and Knox Counties.