December 4, 2025 – Springfield, Massachusetts – The Hampden District Attorney’s Office today celebrated a historic milestone for the Emerging Adult Court of Hope (EACH) program, graduating its largest class to date. Six young adults marked this turning point surrounded by judges, probation, program partners, and family members who have supported their journeys.

Each of the graduates entered the justice system facing significant charges, potential prison time, and lifelong consequences had their cases proceeded traditionally. Instead, they elected the most demanding path: intensive accountability, structure, healing, employment, and months of hands-on supervision and support through EACH.

Over the course of the program, these young adults rebuilt stability, secured employment, addressed trauma, strengthened relationships, and changed the trajectory of their futures. Their success reflects the partnership and commitment of the court, probation, ROCA, and the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.

This year’s cohort entered EACH facing a range of serious offenses, including firearm and ammunition charges, stolen property charges, and drug possession charges. Through the structure of the program and their own commitment, each graduate made significant strides in employment, education, and personal stability.

• Darniel Alvarado began EACH in August 2023. He has maintained steady employment with a moving company and continues to build a stable foundation for his future.

• Josiah Falcon entered the program in November 2024 and completed it in just over a year — an impressive accomplishment. He is finishing real estate courses and has been working consistently for a security company.

• Ian Garcia, who joined EACH in October 2023, is now steadily employed with a delivery company and continues to build on the professional skills he developed during the program.

• Anthony Pantoja started EACH in June 2023. He is currently taking classes at STCC and has maintained steady employment with a manufacturing company throughout the program.

• Damian Ramos began the program in February 2024. He recently passed the driving portion of his CDL exam and has been working with a manufacturing company.

• Bryan Rodriguez, who entered EACH in November 2023, has maintained reliable employment with a hauling company and continues to strengthen his stability and self-discipline.

Founded in 2020, EACH is the first program of its kind in Massachusetts and among only a handful nationwide. It serves justice-involved 18–24-year-olds using a developmentally informed and trauma-responsive model that pairs accountability with opportunity. Participants engage in close judicial oversight, probation supervision, education, therapy, employment requirements, and community engagement, all aimed at reducing recidivism and building long-term stability.

To date, EACH has produced 15 successful graduates, with 10 participants currently in the program and many more applications pending.

Today’s ceremony highlighted not only how far these young adults have come, but the direction they are choosing to go. Family members, probation officers, and program partners shared remarks about the graduates’ resilience, personal growth, and commitment to building safer, stronger paths forward.

Reflecting on his experience in EACH, Damian Ramos said, “I learned a lot of patience, I learned how to deal with things more.”

Bryan Rodriguez shared similar growth, noting, “I learned a lot. I learned how to stay out of trouble, keep a job. I learned self-discipline. I learned a lot of things.”

Graduate Ian Garcia spoke about the skills he is taking with him, “I learned a lot at EACH. I learned how to stay disciplined, be professional, and a whole lot of skills that I will forever have.”

When offering advice to future participants, Ramos was direct: “If you’re not ready to lock in, don’t even bother signing up.”

Anthony Pantoja added his own guidance, stating, “Keep your head low, just follow the EACH agenda, and you’ll be out of here like this,” as he snapped his fingers.

Closing on the value of the opportunity, Josiah Falcon said, “Take your chances. It’s a real, real good program. A lot of people actually wait on lists, so if you get the chance to get into EACH, I’d take it.”

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni commended the graduates for their dedication and the collective effort of everyone involved in the program.

“As I told the graduates today, everyone here is rowing in the same direction — accountability paired with opportunity, structure paired with support,” Gulluni said. “This is not an end point; it’s a turning point. EACH challenges young people to step into responsibility, embrace change, and choose a better path for themselves and their communities. I’m proud of the commitment this group has shown.”

EACH continues to demonstrate the impact of pairing accountability with comprehensive, developmentally informed supports for emerging adults.