Empowering Women Through Partnership: PD-11 and Agape Network
In 2023, the Public Defender Carlos J. Martinez (PD-11) created a unique partnership with Agape Network, Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing treatment and supporting women recovering from drug or alcohol dependency, to offer its clients second chances, fresh opportunities, and valuable life and work skills.
As part of this partnership, a state-of-the-art call center was established for PD-11 at the Agape campus in South Miami-Dade, enabling women undergoing rehabilitation treatment and those recovering from dependency to reenter the workforce and acquire professional skills without leaving the treatment center or interrupting their recovery.
Agape actively encourages its clients to apply for positions in the call center. Upon employment by PD-11, Agape clients receive training from PD-11 staff to handle calls from clients, attorneys, and the general public. PD-11 managers collaborate with Agape staff, therapists, and counselors to ensure that the women can fulfill their work responsibilities and succeed in their new jobs while also attending treatment appointments, meetings, and sessions. Agape supports PD-11 employees with counseling and other services to ensure they are successful in their employment and continued recovery
PD-11 employs Agape clients, who then earn a living wage, and receive health insurance, and other employment benefits. They also gain essential skills, rebuild self-confidence, and reintegrate into society. The call center offers women in recovery an opportunity to enhance their professional abilities and to emerge as resilient, financially independent individuals in a supportive and nurturing environment.
By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, both entities are making a significant impact on the lives of women in recovery, setting a precedent for collaborative efforts to combat drug dependency. This partnership has received national recognition by being awarded the “Gold Stevie” in the Corporate Responsibility Category of the 22nd Annual American Business Awards.
Carlos J. Martinez
Public Defender
11th Judicial Circuit of Florida