Sheila D. with Boyd and Lucinda

Sheila Davis is a former crack addict and prostitute who changed her life.  Sheila works with Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence (CIRV).  Sheila , recently had the opportunity to make an appearance on The Learning Channel (TLC) series Cellblock 6: Female Lockup. The show filmed Davis during her weekly visit to the Hamilton County Justice Center where she shares her testimony of life on the streets and provides hope to women seeking a change in their lives.

“The population that we [CIRV] serve used to be me,” says Davis. “What better gift can I give but to give back?”  Davis has been with CIRV for four years. She originally began her street outreach with the Citizen's Committee on Youth in 1998. She now assesses clients and makes recommendations for placement within community organizations. CIRV works in partnership with the Urban League's SOAR program that is specifically designed for ex-offenders. After those three weeks, they assist with finding jobs and work to keep clients engaged in positive development efforts. “Right now, fifty percent of our clients are working,” says Davis. "And most importantly, they're remaining alive.”