Letter to the Editor: Thank You to Those Who Help Recovering Addicts Through Drug Court Foundation

It is with great appreciation that I take this belated opportunity to thank the 19 companies and 13 individuals who made last month’s Christmas celebration for Lewis County Drug Court (LCDC) attendees an encouraging success. Your donations have helped change lives. Over $3,000 in gift certificates and merchandise were donated.

These gifts encouraged those who are working to change their lives. Most of us who have experienced drug addiction have low self-esteem. It takes various forms of positive reinforcement to overcome this self-image. Experiencing community-wide acceptance and blessings for our future helps strengthen our resolve to improve our lives.

Upcoming events in the planning stages for LCDC members include a formal dance and a possible golf tournament. The annual May 5K, Drug Court Month, is always a huge hit with attendees and community members. A softball team is sponsored in the summer. If you would like to support this LCDC, please contact Stephanie Miller, Program Manager, at 360-740-2731.

LCDC has helped improve the lives of many in the county. It’s one of the best dishes in the country. For years, LCDC alumni have been the only alumni asked to present a workshop at the annual Washington State Drug Court Professionals Conference. Staff are regularly asked to advise other drug courts. The community can regularly read about graduates making a positive difference locally. The Chronicle is to be thanked for articles like this, as well as those on “Community Givebacks,” a mandatory part of the drug court. One of them is the Christmas lights in Borster Park.

The LCDC Foundation is a tax-deductible non-profit organization established to expand LCDC. It is run by a group of volunteers. Because there are occasional drug court participants whose needs the LCDC cannot cover within its budget, the Foundation’s donations help. Education costs, transportation, softball tournaments or removing a tattoo for a job interview are just some of the uses of the money. For information about the Foundation, call Brant Byrd, Community Outreach Worker at 360-740-1179.

Thank you again to the many community businesses and individuals who encourage recovering addicts. They recognize that an addict may have committed crimes, but many can and will be “acceptable, responsible, and productive” members of our community given a chance.

Gerald “Jerry” Braden

Member of the Lewis County Drug Court Foundation