Graduates celebrate success in year-long drug rehab program

Christal Dempsey’s parents and two children crowded around her after she and 43 other adults in black caps and gowns ended a commencement ceremony to celebrate completing an intensive substance abuse treatment program.

The program — which people who have committed felony drug offenses go through in lieu of a prison sentence — is a three-part, nearly year-long assignment through the Northwest Day Reporting Center (DRC). The center is operated by the Georgia Department of Corrections, and commencement took place at Rock Bridge Community Church.

Dempsey was among five people who obtained their GEDs through the program. Now, she’s working toward obtaining her health care administration degree through the University of Phoenix as she continues to work in the mental health field. Dempsey said she was assigned to the program because she violated her probation and used marijuana.

Even though she said she did not have an addiction, she said she’s proud of all she accomplished through the DRC.

“It feels great,” said Dempsey, who spoke to hundreds of family members and supporters at the DRC’s fifth commencement ceremony earlier this week. “It brought my self-esteem back.”

DRC Director and local pastor Rod Weaver said the DRC in Dalton was started in January 2010 and serves about 100 people at a time.

“It is a non-residential substance abuse treatment center for court-mandated felony offenders who would otherwise possibly be in prison, but the court has modified their sentence and given them a chance to remain in the community, remain at home with their families and remain under (supervision from the DRC),” Weaver said.

People are referred there through the Dalton Probation Office and state parole.

The program begins with a 30- to 45-day phase in which participants report to classes from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. five days a week, attend Narcotics Anonymous/Alcoholics Anonymous classes three days a week and have to pass drug tests at least weekly. Participants have rigid curfews, and those associated with the program visit work sites and homes to make sure they keep them. Enrollees must also complete a one-time community service project that involves physical labor. Past projects include painting at the Boys and Girls Club, conducting clean-ups at local parks and trails and assisting at health fairs and races.

People like Dempsey who didn’t have a high school diploma are required to work toward getting their GED. Community supporters pay for the cost of the GED tests so there is no direct cost to students.

During the second phase of the program, which lasts about four months, the curfew times are later, and participants can go to classes to help them deal with their addictions, substance abuse problems or other issues at night or during the day. During all phases, they report at least monthly to their probation officers. They’re given assistance with searching for a job and are required to begin working. They begin paying on fines and court-ordered restitution, if given.

Weaver said DRC workers also connect participants with volunteers and community resource agencies to help them in whatever area is needed — mental health, parenting classes, food or other kinds of financial assistance. A spiritual component to the program involves local clergy members and other community members who Weaver said are available to assist in any way needed.

During the final six months, participants continue reporting to their probation officers, NA/AA meetings and going to classes at night. Weaver said participants are allowed to make some mistakes — even failing drug screenings — without getting kicked out of the program, but repeat or violent offenders are sometimes kicked out.

Those who finish it will have received information from Dalton State College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College about how to enroll there to further their education, and they’ll also have received help from professionals with rebuilding and establishing trust with family.

Weaver had high praise for the DRC staff who run the center that is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

State Rep. Jay Neal, R-LaFayette, was the keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony earlier this week.

“This is not the end,” Neal said. “This is the beginning of a new journey, and they’ve got the skills they need and the tools that they need to move on.”

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Graduates celebrate success in year-long drug rehab program

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