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“Being in the PreTrial program has allowed me to keep a job and spend time with my family”
Mike spent considerable time in jail before his bond was lowered and he was able to be released through JSD’s PreTrial Services program. He says, “sometimes it’s stressful with the curfew and monitoring, but it is a lot better than being in jail.”
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Ashley was incarcerated at the Durham County Detention Center for over two years. Upon release, the Integrated Reentry Team was there to assist her with housing, transportation, clothing and food. The team also connected Ashley with services in the community,
“I honestly don’t know how many times I can say thank you for all that you’ve done and help me accomplish thus far. I wish there was a way to show my gratitude, because without this program I would be homeless, hungry, and lost. I was equipped with the things that I needed to survive on the day of my release and that alone gave me a piece of mind”, stated Ashley.
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Michael was born in Raleigh, NC and graduated from high school there before eventually relocating to Durham.
While in Durham he used drugs, was eventually arrested and came before a judge who ordered two years of probation and sent him to Drug Treatment Court.
“I spent a year and a half working through the Drug Treatment Court program. It was really rough in the beginning, but eventually got better,” Michael reported. He also noted staff were dependable in his times of need. Drug Treatment Court also helped him get into some vocational training where he was able to get his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
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“The STARR Program is personal – they take an interest in you as a person. Because of the people that work at STARR, this is the first time I really believe that I can achieve fully recovery from substance abuse.”
A tragic automobile accident, caused by Amanda driving while impaired, resulted in her confinement at the Durham County Detention Center. While there, she voluntarily enrolled in JSD’s STARR Program. There, she found staff that took time to get to know her personally and help her work through the steps and assignments. “STARR has helped me with anger control and the classes helped get rid of the desire to use. I’m now enrolled in the STARR Grad program and look forward to that.”
Once her legal issues are resolved, Amanda hopes to stay in a recovery home for a while and eventually achieve her goal of finishing college. Throughout that process, she hopes to help others along the way.
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“Referral to the Mental Health Court is the best thing that anyone has ever done for me”
James moved to Durham with his mother when he was 4 years old. After high school his life took a turn for the worse and he began getting into trouble.
One night he had yet another encounter with law enforcement, but this time a caring attorney referred him to JSD’s Mental Health Court. This diversion opportunity worked out well for James and he completed the 6-month program. Although his mandatory participation is over, he continues to be involved with the program and enjoys the support of Mental Health Court staff. “They even helped me with the paperwork to get into my new apartment,” he notes.
James is very proud of his home and enjoyed the process of acquiring just the right furniture for it. He looks forward to a future of helping others who are going through similarly difficult circumstances.
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"The substance abuse counselors at JSD were very knowledgeable about what I was going through. Because of this, they were able to help me make the changes I needed to make.”
April was smoking marijuana while on Probation, and it was a probation officer that referred her to JSD’s substance use disorder treatment program. April noted that “the sessions were well-taught, and they helped me quit smoking and get off Probation.”
With substance abuse issues behind her, April is now focusing on business career goals and entrepreneurship.
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“Devon” was born overseas into a military family. He entered drug treatment for the first time after an arrest for marijuana and cocaine possession, but continued to use while on supervision. A concerned probation officer referred him to JSD, hoping that JSD’s substance use treatment programs would help deter Devon from further use.
“It was helpful hearing other people’s stories and their experiences taught me a lot. I’ve learned from them that maintaining sobriety is difficult, but can be done,” he said. The virtual groups and family support have helped keep him in a safe place mentally and emotionally during a time when COVID-19 has challenged him financially.
Devon has plans to attend college, enlist in the military and fulfill his dream of a career in aviation.
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