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Recovery court participants share success stories at Yamhill County meeting
Summary
Two participants in Yamhill County's adult recovery court told the Board of Commissioners Feb. 26 that the program’s structure, peer support and accountability helped them avoid prison and prepare for graduation; a commissioner praised the program’s outcomes and staff.
At the start of the Feb. 26 meeting, two participants in Yamhill County’s adult recovery (drug) court spoke during public comment to describe how the program helped them pursue sobriety and avoid incarceration.
Luke Johnson said he entered drug court after a DHS referral and prior relapse, credited assessments and advocacy by court staff for his acceptance into the program, described the program as "very rigorous" but supportive, and said he was in phase 4 and expected to graduate on April 6.
"I'm an addict... I'm about to graduate, April 6," Johnson said, describing the structure and peer support as central to his progress.
Cody Richardson described four months sober after joining drug court three months earlier, said the program’s accountability and peer support were key to staying clean, noted he meets with the judge regularly and credited coordinator Michelle Taber and attorney Abraham Hansen for arranging a program alternative to prison.
Commissioner Starrett praised the recovery court as a "jewel in the crown" of county programs, thanked staff including treatment court coordinator Michelle Taber and Judge Wiles, and invited the participants to share their experiences to encourage others.
The board recorded gratitude for the participants’ statements; no formal action was taken on the program during this meeting.
