Committee reviews Justice Point materials, recovery outreach and Healing to Wellness Court staffing

Committee members reviewed a Justice Point report that had been distributed in the meeting packet; Justice Point staff were not present at the meeting and committee members said the materials would be examined and discussed further at later meetings.

Members discussed items listed in the Justice Point materials under community outreach: sober events, donations and ways to promote recovery-related activities. Committee participants described the usefulness of listing upcoming sober events and donation opportunities so that recovery court participants and other community members have clear referrals to pro-social activities.

The committee noted local outreach already underway, including billboards produced with artwork from local students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Members said the billboards looked better in color and suggested future billboards include a web link or point of contact so the public can find more information.

Members reported program updates tied to grant-funded initiatives. The committee was told a juvenile Healing to Wellness Court caseworker position will be posted soon, and members expressed support for the program expansion. The committee also discussed the need to sustain existing programming if federal grant supplements are not restored.

Members announced the death of Deb Hellquist, who worked with Sawyer County Literacy and had provided services in the jail for nearly 20 years. One committee member said Sheriff Grama and the speaker attended Hellquist's memorial service; members asked to be notified when plans are in place to fill that position.

Justice Point representative Becky was noted as absent; the committee said she had circulated the report in the packet and that resolutions later in the agenda related to grant funding would be considered for transmission to the county board.