Recovery requires community
RECOVERY REQUIRES COMMUNITY
REFLECTIONS FROM A RECOVERY COURT JUDGE AND ADVOCATE
By Beth Heath
Retired Chief District and Recovery Court Judge
(This is the final article in a four-part series in observance of Recovery Court Month.)
Over the years of working in recovery courts and with folks in recovery, I have learned that everybody’s recovery is different. Some are able to be substance free quickly, some it may take months. Being able to sustain abstinence long term is even more challenging. I have learned that which recovery method, technique, or program is not what matters. What works for one might not work for another. However, I have learned that what does matter is accountability. That is, being held to recognizing the truth, admitting shortcomings and resetting future actions based on that realization of truth. Truth leads to successful sustained recovery. Recovery courts have the unique ability to bring the accountability aspect of the justice system to the table by fostering and creating an environment conducive to truth.
Another thing I have learned, is that community is crucial for those in recovery and to accountability. Recovery courts can be the infrastructure that can coordinate and create a network of community people and resources who understand substance misuse and the challenges of recovery and who work to hold those in recovery accountability.
I feel privileged to be able to work with so many community partners to bring resources to our community members who are working through recovery. These resources include things such as housing, transportation, local government, employment training, educational services, and parenting skills, and many more.
As this work continued, the recovery court team learned about the concept of a recovery hub. A place of easy access for the services one needs access to in order to be successful in recovery. With the help of many, this dream is coming true in the creation of the Community Recovery Division and the Recovery Together ENC Center (RTENC).
The Community Recovery Division will be housed within the Lenoir County Health Department, and will provide services also at the Greene County Health Department. Substance use assessments and treatment will be able to be provided.
Just across the street from the Lenoir County Health Department is the educational building of Gordon Street Christian Church on North Street. GSCC is partnering with the Community Recovery Division for the use of this space to operate the RTENC Center which will include oversight of the 9th Judicial District’s Recovery Court program, peer support and recovery groups. Lenoir Community College will provide employability skills through their Keys to Hope program. The Lenoir, Greene and Jones County Re-entry Services through Lenoir Community College will also provide re-entry services at the RTENC Center.
Substance misuse can affect anybody. What an opportunity for the citizens of our community to have these resources for themselves, their family members, and their friends who seek a life of recovery!
(See website for more information. www.recoverytogetherence.com)
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