Social Service League to help fund new Drug Court Alumni Group

A recently-formed Douglas County Drug Court Alumni Group is about to get a boost thanks to a $2,500 donation from the Social Service League, the oldest nonprofit organization in Douglas County. Meg Davis, vice president of the Social Service League, is scheduled to present a check to the alumni group on June 7 during a Drug Court graduation ceremony. The alumni group will use the funding for recovery activities and community events.

“The Social Service League is an avid supporter of Drug Court, and we are very proud to be affiliated with such an outstanding program,” Davis said. “We have had many Drug Court clients fulfill their community service hours in our store. Upon graduation, it is not unusual for graduates to tell us things like, ‘Drug Court saved me,’ ‘Drug Court was the best thing that ever happened to me,’ or ‘My life would still be a mess, if it were not for Drug Court.’”

She said these powerful testimonials underscore the effectiveness of the program, which demands accountability, hard work, and the fulfillment of obligations from its participants.

Drug Court is a four-phase treatment court for adults who are charged with felonies or have pending felony probation violations and have a substance use disorder. The program typically takes about 14-16 months to complete. If participants successfully complete the program, their charges are dismissed. Since its inception in January 2020, 19 individuals have completed and graduated from Drug Court. Three individuals are scheduled to graduate from the program during a ceremony at 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, in the Judicial and Law Enforcement Center, 111 E. Eleventh St., and Davis will not only attend the ceremony, but also present the check to the alumni group.

In January 2024, graduates of Drug Court started the alumni group, and they meet monthly with those who are completing the last two phases of the Drug Court program to provide peer support and mentorship. The Drug Court Alumni Group also generates ideas for social group activities and community events, and then they coordinate them. 

Hope Thommen graduated from the program on Oct. 6, 2023, and serves as president of the alumni group. “I believe Drug Court Alumni is a way for us to support each other after graduation,” she said. “I also believe that we pass a message that anyone can change their behavior, grow in recovery, and redeem their dignity. With alumni, we can come together and find ways to give back to the community.”

For the past three years, Drug Court program participates along with staff and community partners have organized a community Recovery Walk event in September in South Park in conjunction with National Recovery Month.

Davis said the recent introduction of the alumni program further attests to the success of Drug Court. The presiding judge is The Honorable Mark Simpson, and the Douglas County Adult Services Officer is Shannon Bruegge, who works closely with participants. The program is a collaboration among the District Court, District Attorney, Criminal Justice Services, DCCCA, Lawrence Police Department, Sheriff’s Office Reentry program and others. The Board of County Commissioners approves funding for Drug Court, which has an annual budget of about $416,000.

“When they have graduates who want to form a fellowship of alumni to meet with, mentor and befriend those who are in the program, that proves that Drug Court team is providing an outstanding program,” Davis said.

The Social Service League raises funds through monetary donations or through donation of items that are sold in the thrift store, 905 Rhode Island St. Davis said individuals often donate items because they know the proceeds will benefit people in need in Douglas County. “The object goes to someone who will love and care for it, and the money it generates will help someone in need. It’s a win-win,” she said. “We are very excited to be in a position to fund the Drug Court Alumni Group, and we expect to continue the support of this worthy organization well into the future.”

The Drug Court Alumni Group is hosting its first fundraiser with a “Recovery Car Wash,” from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 21st and Harper streets. Cost is a single donation per vehicle.