POLK COUNTY -- The Polk County Treatment Court celebrated two graduations from its program on August 2nd: Jim and Ben. These events mark significant milestones in their journey towards recovery and rehabilitation.
“The treatment court is a very difficult and intensive program,” said Judge Tolan. “It requires sobriety, a job, financial obligations, treatment, and it requires community service. However, what it does is help to develop tools for people to use as they continue with their recovery. Both Jim and Ben have done an excellent job in laying the foundation for that.”
Elated was the word that Ben used to describe his final day in treatment court.
When Ben began the treatment court program back in January of 2023, he was struggling to maintain sobriety. Ben had previous long stretches of sobriety, and wanted to get his life back in order. Since beginning treatment court, Ben has become a pillar in the sober community. He has started his own support group where he shares his story, and has taken on a leadership role for others who are struggling with sobriety.
“When I first started this program, I was just looking for an excuse to get out of jail,” Ben said on his final day. “But we banded together and eventually, everything started clicking for me. I realized I liked this life so much more than the life I thought I had.”
For his fellow graduate, Jim, family was a huge reason for wanting to seek treatment. He was, however, not thrilled with the program at first.
“I honestly didn’t want to be here,” said Jim as he reflected on where he was when he started. “But as the time went on, I was actually looking forward to coming because there’s so many tools I have to work with.”
Now, at the end of his journey with the Treatment Court, Jim had rebuilt relationships with his family and strengthened those bonds. He had gained his GED, become a dependable employee, and became a positive role model within the sober community. Most important to Jim, though, was that he had learned that he was going to be a grandfather.
“Ever since you stepped into the treatment court, I’ve just watched you blossom,” Ben said to Jim, after the pair had received their diplomas. “There’s a lot of great accomplishments that you’ve done. I’m glad to be graduating with you.”
“You welcomed me with open arms,” said Jim. “I’ve watched you grow, heard your story, and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come.”
By graduation, Ben was employed, had a roof over his head, had attended 46 treatment court status hearings, attended over 246 support meetings, gave 175 negative drug and alcohol tests throughout his time in treatment court, completed over 85 hours of community service, and was 144 days sober in the program. Jim attended 25 treatment court status hearings, 186 support meetings, gave 117 negative drug and alcohol tests, completed over 100 hours of community service, and was 353 days sober in the program.
About Treatment Court:
The Polk County Treatment Court is a program of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The mission of the Polk County CJCC is to reduce crime and recidivism in Polk County through programming such as the Treatment Court, which aims to reduce the destructive cycle of substance use and mental health disorder.
Last Update: Aug 09, 2024 10:43 am CDT
