Circuit Judge Bob Helfrich invited WDAM News Director Randy Swan and myself to the graduation ceremony and celebration of the 12th Circuit Adult Drug/DUI Court Monday afternoon at the convention center. I’m not sure what I expected…but as we saw the number of people who had been clean and sober for months and years get up and recount what their lives had been before Drug Court and what they are like now…we looked at each other at one point and said, “this is powerful stuff!” And it was. One thing was immediately obvious as we saw the 15 people on stage who were graduating. Drug and alcohol addiction are equal opportunity demons. We saw people of differing ages, races and backgrounds get up clear eyed and clear headed who at one time had been held in the throws and ravages of addiction…many homeless and all hopeless before their experience with Drug Court. Drug Court is a program presided over in this district by Judge Helfrich and coordinated by Luce Bates Davenport and a staff of others. They take people who get into trouble with the law due to their addictions and over a period of time work with them to turn their lives around. Otherwise these people would just go to jail and probably be lost to themselves and society. Through the time and effort of the professionals and volunteers who give unselfishly of their time and efforts these people are helped to become the productive balanced members of society they were meant to be. They are not only taught how to stay free of their addiction, but how to cope with life and to be self reliant and responsible. I got the impression that it is not an easy course and it takes a long time to complete…which is all the more impressive. I was amazed at both the people who had made it through and those who had helped them. Judge Helfrich, Sheriff Billy Magee, and all the others involved are truly doing God’s work and their passion is evident. We can be very grateful indeed that we have such a vehicle in our area. I’m Jim Cameron and that’s my ‘Viewpoint” for today. I’d like to hear from you.
Email Jim Cameron at jcameron@wdam.com
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