In celebration of National Drug Court Month, the Cobb Drug Treatment Court (DTC) provided a Breakfast-on-the-Run before court on Monday, May 15th. The East Cobb Church graciously sponsored the event where participants and DTC staff enjoyed fruit and breakfast sandwiches. R.M., a drug court participant, shared that “it is awesome to be recognized by a group of government officials that have seen us at our worst but are helping us be our best.”

After observing the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court in action in March, East Cobb Church’s lead pastor, Jamey Dickens, offered the Church’s support to the program as part of their community outreach ministry. “It was an honor to provide breakfast for Drug Treatment Court this past month! We’re always looking for opportunities to come alongside organizations who are doing great work and help them go further faster in meeting the needs of our community. And this one is a no brainer. We are so thankful for all those who make this program possible and very proud of those who have recently completed it.” said Pastor Dickens.

To complete National Drug Court Month, on Sunday, May 21st, the DTC participants attended a Braves game where they enjoyed cheering the Braves to a 2 to 3 victory over the Mariners. “It was a beautiful day for good company, good vibes, and a braves win!” said Case Manager Brooke Comley. For some participants, attending the game was a first-time experience. “It was so awesome being able to have an experience of a lifetime, watching the homeruns with good friends.” W.C. said. Attending events like the Braves Game is part of a wholistic treatment strategy for individuals recovering from addiction. “An integral part of the treatment process for individuals in treatment courts is facilitating pro-social activities and outings in the community where they learn how to have fun while maintaining sobriety.” said Jennifer Tillery, Accountability Courts Director. “The program regularly schedules these events called ‘sober outings’ to restructure perspective of how to have fun without drugs and alcohol and to show how a lifetime of recovery is possible.” she continued.

Treatment courts are considered the most effective strategy for reducing addiction, crime, and recidivism while saving taxpayer dollars. National Drug Court Month provides a platform for these programs to advocate for continued federal, state, and local funding.

National Drug Court Month is coordinated by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over Cobb’s DTC and said she was thrilled for Cobb to join the National Drug Court Month celebrations occurring nationwide. “Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court transforms the courtroom into a place of hope and healing.” Judge Childs said. “Instead of punishment, we offer evidence-based treatment and compassion to foster a lifetime of sobriety.” Another participant, D.S., thanked Judge Childs and the entire Drug Court team. “This breakfast is recognizing our hard work and we know they care about us,” D.S. said.

The Cobb Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system because of a substance use disorder. The 18- to 24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community. Cobb’s DTC has graduated 699 participants since the program’s inception. For more information about Cobb’s DTC, including how to support the program, contact Porsha Middlebrook, DTC Coordinator at 770.528.1933.