WARREN — Warren Municipal Court Judge Natasha Natale is taking the wheel to help residents with suspended licenses.

A new initiative, the “Steering Clear Warren Suspended License Intervention Workshop,” provides a way for individuals to understand their license suspension and overcome barriers to reinstatement, providing vital resources that can prevent future legal complications.

“Steering Clear is a workshop that helps people with suspended licenses understand why their licenses are suspended and identify steps to reinstate them.” Natale said.

Supported by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and volunteer attorneys, Steering Clear provides participants with printed license suspension details and one-on-one guidance from volunteers on license reinstatement.

Natale noted that the city has waived all fees associated with hosting the event, ensuring no cost barriers for attendees.

“We brought people in individually to discuss in detail the steps needed to resolve their suspensions,” Natale said.

In addition to license restoration assistance, the workshop connects participants with Ohio Means Jobs, Goodwill and Community Legal Aid. It also provides support in areas such as job placement, child support, clearing and submitting Certificates of Qualification for Employment (CQE).

“Ohio Means Jobs was there to guide people to new career paths and employment opportunities.” Natale said.

Kim Massary, assistant director of NEOCAP, (Northeast Ohio Community Alternative Program) said the program provides support and resources to people as an alternative to incarceration and helps them overcome issues such as license suspension and barriers to employment.

“Driving licenses and the ability to get them back are huge barriers for many. It’s essential that we give people opportunities to understand what’s holding their licenses and how to get them back.” she said, adding that attendees left the event with clear steps to take, with many learning that unpaid fines were a significant obstacle.

Natale plans to hold the workshop quarterly, moving to different locations around Warren to increase accessibility.

“I want this workshop to reach all areas in our jurisdiction,” she said.

Massary also noted that many residents arrived unaware of the layers of obstacles they faced, including fines, additional suspensions and reinstatement fees. “People often think it’s just a matter of going to the BMV, but for many, there are several hurdles to overcome.” she said.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents and community partners such as Second Baptist Church providing transportation assistance. Judge Natale believes that Steering Clear is a proactive measure to reduce driving offenses that often lead to court cases. “This approach aims to keep people out of court by preventing problems before they happen.” she said.