THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL 36 | FEBRUARY 2026 Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. communities and human potential. The message is clear: To truly break the cycle of crime, we must fund the building of new foundations and not just repair old walls. Habilitation offers that first step, one that can lead a young man, and those around him, toward a better tomorrow.20 ABOUT THE AUTHORS David C. Phillips III is the executive director and founder of the 1st Step Male Diversion Program, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping young men out of prison by helping them build stable, flourishing lives. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a J.D. from the OU College of Law. Dr. F. Daniel Duffy is the clinical director for the 1st Step program. He is a retired physician professor of internal medicine and medical informatics from the OU School of Community Medicine. In addition to advising staff on clinical care of clients, he facilitates moral reconation therapy and designed and teaches the program's parenting course. He has guided the implementation of the positive psychology and habilitation process for the program. Lindy Myers, deputy chief director at 1st Step Male Diversion Program, is a licensed behavioral health case manager. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and minor in human resources and a master’s degree in sociology. Ms. Myers’ personal journey of overcoming addiction after graduating from Women in Recovery in 2020 fuels her passion for supporting program participants. At 1st Step, she emphasizes habilitation, guiding individuals in rebuilding their lives. ENDNOTES 1. 1st Step Male Diversion Program. (n.d.). Program overview and outcomes. (Internal program documents and web profile). 2. P.C. Kratcoski, (2017), Correctional Counseling and Treatment (6th ed.), Springer International Publishing, p. 4. 3. P.C. Kratcoski, (2017), Correctional Counseling and Treatment (6th ed.), Springer International Publishing. 4. S.E. Samenow, (2016), Psychology Today, “Habilitation, Not Rehabilitation.” https://bit.ly/49nF2E6. 5. Id. 6. 1st Step Male Diversion Program. (n.d.). Program overview and outcomes. (Internal program documents and web profile). 7. KJRH News (2023). “1st Step Male Diversion Program transforms lives of justiceinvolved men.” Retrieved from www.kjrh.com. 8. P.C. Kratcoski, (2017), Correctional Counseling and Treatment (6th ed.), Springer International Publishing, and S.E. Samenow, Psychology Today (2016), “Habilitation, Not Rehabilitation.” 9. 1st Step Male Diversion Program, (n.d.). Program overview and outcomes. (Internal program documents and web profile). 10. Id. 11. Id. 12. Id. 13. Id. 14. Id. 15. Id. 16. Id. 17. Id. 18. Id. 19. Id. 20. Id. I lost a colleague to depression. I wish I had known how much he was hurting. Don’t give yourself the additional burden of trying to deal with this alone. Just talking releases a lot of pressure, and it might be the resource you need to regain your balance. It is okay to ask for help. — Ann E. Murray, Oklahoma Bar Association Member Get help addressing stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationships, burnout, health and other personal issues through counseling, monthly support groups and mentoring or peer support. Call 800-364-7886 for a free counselor referral. If you are in crisis or need immediate assistance, call or text 988, Oklahoma's Mental Health Lifeline. www.okbar.org/LHL Free Confidential Assistance
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTk3MQ==