How OKC’s Diversion Hub serves rural Oklahoma for people inside the criminal justice system

EL RENO, Okla. -- Oklahoma City's nonprofit Diversion Hub will even help more people overcome systemic issues within the criminal justice system. The organization started in Oklahoma County five years ago and has served more than 11,000 people since its start. 

Helping people with justice involvement navigate the system 

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, most people who go to jail have not been convicted of crimes. They are waiting for a trial. Diversion Hub helps people navigate the criminal justice system and heal. 

Inside Diversion Hub's office on OKC’s 10th Street and Robinson Avenue, DH executive director Meagan Taylor has routinely shared a simple message. 

“Society is not safer when we detain our neighbors,” said Taylor, during an interview with News 9 in March of 2024. 

Advocating for underserved communities 

Taylor leads a team with many obstacles. Her team supports people who fall through the justice system cracks.  

“We are warriors that are fighting for the people that we serve,” Taylor said. “We work with thousands of Oklahomans that come to us in a place of desperation. 

“As a former prosecutor, I continued to watch folks coming through the system over and over again. I started realizing that we needed to be part of something that was actually meeting the need. We’re stopping cycles. That’s what we do.” 

Diversion Hub’s case managers ensure people meet requirements for court appearances by providing transportation and representation. 

“They can continue to be with their families, and they can continue to be productive and work towards a better future for themselves,” Taylor said. “They have needs that have been unmet. We’re here to make a positive impact and we’re here to help as many people as we can.” 

Diversion Hub expansion in El Reno 

Taylor’s team unlocked a new space in El Reno and Canadian County to serve rural communities outside the metro. 

“Quickly realized that surrounding jurisdictions had the same gap of resources,” Taylor said.   

Taylor said Oklahoma needs to address mass incarceration with proactive measures.  

“People are dying in jails and we’re spending a lot more money doing what we’ve been doing rather than figuring out a better solution,” Taylor said. 

Taylor said simple actions solve complicated problems when people work together. 

“It takes a village to be able to provide the wrap-around support that so many of our folks need,” Taylor said.  

Taylor said their work takes a village of people who care and fulfill the mission to fight their neighbors. 

“That’s what makes it beautiful,” Taylor said. 

What’s Next? 

Diversion Hub has also expanded into Norman and Cleveland County. Organizers plan to continue growing their network to serve people. Diversion Hub also broke ground on its new Oklahoma City building near Western and Klein. Construction is set to finish in 2026.