Conasauga Drug Court Celebrates 4 More Changed Lives

Making it through the Conasauga Drug Court program is the “hardest thing” participants will ever do, says Judge Jim Wilbanks.

At the same time, Drug Court, says Mr. Wilbanks, is the “best thing” he does in his role as a Superior Court judge.

That’s why Mr. Wilbanks and the rest of the Drug Court staff – along with the families and other members of the participants’ support system – were so excited to see five more people graduate from the program during an emotion-packed ceremony at the Whitfield County Courthouse on Nov.

30.

“I tell people most of the time it seems as a Superior Court judge, what I’m doing is I’m cleaning up train wrecks,” he said, reacting with legal solutions to common problems like lawsuits, divorces, or crimes.

What’s different about Drug Court, he says, is that it’s a proactive program. “We are helping people make changes in their lives,” he says, “that will keep them from coming back in front of us. And that’s what this is all about. This is about not only restoring these lives but keeping these people out of the criminal justice system. That’s the goal; that is what we work hard to accomplish.”

Shea Baldridge, accepted into the program Aug. 20, 2015, knows about that hard work first hand.

“I knew that I wanted something different out of life, but I was not certain what I wanted,” the graduate said in a letter to Judge Wilbanks that she read to a room filled with supporters during the ceremony.

“Honestly, I did not believe that I could stop using drugs,” she said candidly. “It is no surprise to me that I will not receive the gold star on my diploma (that denotes no sanctions due to relapses during the program) because I have struggled at times throughout the past two years. I’m more than grateful for my struggles because it has led me to where I am today and, more importantly, who I am today.”

At graduation, she had been drug free for 829 days and is well on her way to a better life.

“I have accumulated multiple skill sets and tools as I enter a new and exciting chapter of my life,” Ms. Baldridge said. “My thought process is entirely different than it was the day that I entered the program. Today, I know what I want and I’m pursuing that. I’m not confused about my purpose on Earth nor am I willing to settle for less than what I believe I deserve. I know who I am today and what I have to offer.”

Like the other graduates, Ms. Baldridge listed some of her accomplishments during the program.

“I have my own job, my own home today, my license and my own vehicle, I have a well-respected job that has benefits, and I started school at Dalton State College where I will major in Business with a focus in Marketing,” she said proudly.

But perhaps her most satisfying accomplishment, Ms. Baldridge says, lies inside of her.

“I have been able to accept and forgive myself,” she said, pausing as the emotions of the moment sank in. “I understand myself today, and I’m okay with my stubbornness and imperfect flaws – those do not define me. I know how to separate myself from my actions and speak to myself in a soft, gentle tone as I would an infant. In return, I have learned how to love the young woman I see in the mirror.

“Thank you for this incredible opportunity that I have been blessed with,” Ms. Baldridge said. “I would not be where I am today without you, Judge (Jack) Partain, and the entire team that has helped guide me to the place I am today. This journey has not been easy at times, but most definitely worth it!”

Participants aren’t the only ones who find that journey worth it, though.

Take, for example, Ms.  Baldridge’s mother, Danielle, who says she discovered through the program that she was a “major enabler” for her daughter and admits “that’s something I’ve had to work on.”

“I’ve learned a lot about Shea, I’ve learned a lot about me,” she said, “and in this program, if you have the opportunity to participate no matter how big or how small, it can not only benefit the participant but it benefits the whole family.”

Choking up for a moment, she said, “the one thing that I guess made Drug Court okay with me is that either my daughter would be okay or she would be in prison, (and) that’s a lot better than death.”

Indeed, once accepted, participants know they must either complete the program or spend time in prison if they fail.

“There are basically two ways out,” Wilbanks says. “You can choose not to pursue recovery and not change your life, and I’ll unfortunately do what you’re asking me to do - which is send you to prison. The other option is the one that we push very strongly … and that is graduation.”

Alicia Amos, who’s been clean 1,126 days, chose graduation.

“Whenever I came into Drug Court,” she said in her letter to the judge, “my life was out of control. I was broken and had lost all hope on ever living a normal life without drugs. As I stand before you today, I can honestly say that is not the case anymore. Drug Court has changed my life for the better.”

Ms. Amos praised the Drug Court staff for always believing in her, motivating and pushing her.

“Catherine (Schueman), you have shined light in places I didn’t know light shined,” she said. “You are the one that has helped me end a 12-year-long abusive relationship. Not only did I get over that relationship, but you helped me grieve and heal. You showed me tough love - the tough love you have shown me broke me, but it made me who I am. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.

“Marshall (Lynch) you have helped me identify patterns from my past. By identifying these patterns, I was able to break recurring cycles from my childhood that played a role in my adulthood. Thank you for teaching me how to set boundaries and how important those boundaries are.

“Prudence (Byers), your office has always been a place I could come and vent. Your tough feedback has helped me overcome obstacles in my life, and I thank you for that. Rosafay (Lawson), you have always pushed me. I would come in to take a drug test, and you would ask me about my GED and my progress. You would always ask me how you could help me. You are the one who kept pushing me to earn my GED, and I stand here today with my GED because of you. Thank you for never giving up on me.

“And Don (Hoffmeyer), you’re the one who is always checking on me. You are one of the most caring and selfless people I know; you do your job with your whole heart, and you’re passionate about it. Drug Court is lucky to have you as a coordinator.

“I could tell you story after story about how each staff member has helped me through my recovery and changed my life for the better,” Ms. Amos said. “I cannot express my gratitude for the better; Drug Court has saved my life. I thank you, Judge Wilbanks and Judge Partain, my arresting officers, and all of the staff for your time and energy and efforts.”

Ms. Amos called going to jail “honestly one of the best things” that has ever happened to her.

“I didn’t expect anything great to come from going to jail,” she said, “nor did I expect to find a new way to live. Being arrested was a blessing in disguise. I thank each and every one of you for a second chance at a new life.”

Fellow graduates Kim Patterson and Sonya Neal agreed with that assessment.

“I had to change my way of thinking,” Ms. Patterson said, “and today I stand in front of you as a new woman. I have learned how to live sober and how to be happy. I want to thank the staff for always being there for me no matter what the situation was. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to complete Drug Court because it has truly saved my life.”

Ms. Neal admitted there was doubt she could complete the program “coming from someone who’s been in trouble many times, but here I stand before you now proudly graduating. This program was not easy. Every struggle was well worth it. I want to thank you and the Drug Court team for the many hours, days, and weeks spent teaching, counseling, and correcting me and helping me to become the person I am today.”

Ms. Neal’s sponsor, Sonya, says she is “so proud” of the community for supporting the Drug Court program over the past 15 years.

“I’m so grateful for the wisdom of the community itself for supporting it and for Judge Partain for bringing it to us and the people that work their little fingers to the bone to make it this success,” she said. “It’s just a miracle in front of us.”

Graduate Cheryl Truitt is one of those miracles, saying that she and others in the program “have hope of living life to our fullest” now.

“For many years I was a broken, lost woman,” Ms. Truitt said. “After giving birth to my beautiful daughters, I was unable to be the mother they deserved and needed. Today, all that has changed. Today, I walk with God, and through Christ, all things are possible. Today I am a good mother, nana, sister, daughter, friend, and aunt. I’m a productive member of society. Today I have goals that I have reached, and I shall continue to reach my goals.”

She says the program has enabled her “take off” her mask. “Although I was terrified of the unknown, I am willing to listen and take suggestions,” Truitt said. “I am learning how to love myself and appreciate all God’s blessings. I stand here with deep gratitude - a grateful recovered addict.”

Judge Wilbanks ended the program by holding up an article in the local newspaper about the nationwide opiate crisis and saying that, yes, the federal and state governments can help in the battle against addiction. Ultimately, though, it’s up to local programs like the Conasauga Drug Court to solve the problem.

“My bottom line to you,” he told the crowd, “is that this problem is solved here in this county, in Murray County, in this circuit. I need you to help us fight this battle. Me putting people in prison doesn’t solve any problems. Me helping people dig themselves out of the hole that they’ve dug themselves and then working hard to get everything back on track - which you’ve just seen that today, and they said it much better than I ever could – that is what works. This program works. Thank you for your support; help us continue to go forward in a positive way.”

DRUG COURT GRADUATES BY THE NUMBERS

Shea Baldridge - Entered program: Aug. 20, 2015. Sobriety date: Aug. 24, 2015. Days clean at graduation: 829

Alicia Amos – Entered program: Nov. 6, 2014. Sobriety date: Nov. 1, 2014. Days clean at graduation: 1,126

Kim Patterson – Entered program: Dec. 18, 2014. Sobriety date: July 27, 2014. Days clean at graduation: 1,222

Sonya Neal – Entered program: Nov. 5, 2015. Sobriety date: Sept. 28, 2015. Days clean at graduation: 794

Cheryl Truitt – Entered program: July 24, 2014. Sobriety date: June 19, 2016. Days clean at graduation: 529

MORE DRUG COURT STATISTICS

Current participants: 86

Employment rate: 98%

Graduates: 262

GEDs earned: 112 (25 more in progress)

PROGRAM FEATURES

Alcohol and other outpatient treatment

Individual counseling with licensed professional counselors

Intensive case management with a master’s level social worker

Individual classes on Boundaries, Dual Diagnosis, Anger Management, Parenting, Inner Child

Daily, random, targeted, and observed drug testing

Community supervision by probation and local law enforcement officers and 24-hour crisis response

Recurring court appearances before Judge Wilbanks

Incentives and sanctions related to progress and non-compliance

Verifiable participation in 12-Step meetings and Celebrate Recovery

Assistance for participants to obtain GEDs and other educational/career goals

Support clients who have DFCS involvement to adhere to case plans providing documentation

Participants pay weekly fees for services ($27/week) and pay regular restitution payments.

Opportunity to make choices that improve self-care, self-confidence, promote family unity, reveal rewarding career choices, enhance communication, coping and social skills.

Return to a crime-free, drug-free lifestyle

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer. Contact Conasauga Drug Court at 706-281-4811 or hoffmeyerdon@gmail.com

Spread the word. Court sessions are open to the public on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Referrals may be made by calling 706-281-4811. Speakers are available to community and school organizations.

Donate. Financial contributions may be made to the NWGA Community Foundation / Conasauga Drug Court 501 (c3) organization. Other donations: Call 706-281-4811.