The Georgia Northern Program, initiated by the district's probation office, has been received favorably by social agencies, business groups, civic associations, and the media. It brings offenders and the community together and saves taxpayers millions in prison costs. Up to 5 percent of community service offenders received permanent employment as a result of their court-ordered placement. Over half of offenders who performed 40 hours of community service per week for 6 months or more completed their work programs successfully. While not all offenders are suited for placement in community service programs, programs based on careful screening and strict supervision practices offer a safe and effective alternative to incarceration. Actual accounts of successful community service offenders are cited.