By: Jamee Stampley, Butte Mission Recovery

Recovery on May 1 was a joyful time of celebration at Natchitoches Parish Courthouse. Judge Layla Sylvester announced that six clients of the 10th Judicial District Adult Drug Court of Natchitoches Parish had completed their program, and their offenses were dismissed. Hope was palpable in the courtroom. 

Chief Rodger Collum of Butte Tribe, Tim Stampley of TNT Ministry, and Butte Mission Recovery were present to sponsor and actively support the celebration. Those attending were invited to a reception immediately following the program, sponsored by Butte Mission Recovery, TNT Ministry, along with the unwavering support from the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Minority Health under the guidance of Director Rudy Macklin. Also present were Gwendolyn Williams, who coordinates the Natchitoches Parish Adult Drug Court program, Case Manager Simon Sarpy and Treatment Counselor Kimberly Duncan, who provides individual and group therapy. Probation and Parole are responsible for supervision of the program. They were overjoyed at the success of their clients. 

10th Judicial District Drug Court is a specialized program that makes use of existing district judges, court staff, and district attorneys. This program requires intensive substance abuse treatment, frequent drug testing, judicial oversight, community supervision & support to ensure the best possible outcomes for offenders with substance use disorders. This program decreases the tax burden associated with rehabilitation as well reducing recidivism as many involved in traditional correction and supervision settings have a higher recidivism rate. 

Numerous friends and families joined the graduates in celebrating their success and honoring their efforts to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Each participant was given time to address the spectators. They talked about their time in the program. Tearfully, each individual proclaimed that their lives have been transformed. 

Judge Sylvester proudly presented certificates of completion as well as ‘sober time’ documentation to each graduate. The judge spoke of the personal triumphs of each graduating participant, including their journey towards stable employment, rebuilding family relationships, and achieving financial independence, as well as their ambitious goals for the future. 

This is one more remarkable achievement for Natchitoches Parish and surrounding areas! As these graduates return to their families, jobs, and communities, they are not just spreading the hope of transformation but also the proof that the program did indeed work to activate change in their lives. 

For more information about TNT Ministry and Butte Mission Recovery, please find the group on Facebook as Butte Mission Celebrate Recovery or by emailing ButteMissionCR@gmail.