You-Turn Recovery Docket Celebrates 2 Graduates
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"[You-Turn Recovery] helps you accomplish things in life when we're not used to accomplishing anything," stated Janelle Watkins, graduate of the You-Turn Recovery Docket program. "This is bigger than, like, your high school graduation even [because] this is your life back," stated Kristina Hughes, another graduate of the program.
Kristina Hughes and Janelle Watkins will graduate from the 21-month program on May 15th. The program allows defendants with substance issues to work on their addiction without being incarcerated. Participants complete requirements like sobriety, probation, a relapse-prevention plan, and more with the help of the support from the court system.
Prior to completing the program, Kristina was addicted to painkillers when her ex-husband was injured at work and began abusing the medication. She followed in his lead, and the two later began using meth. Kristina attempted to leave him, but still remained in active addiction. After getting caught twice with drugs, she was connected with You-Turn Recovery Docket. Kristina stated, "It has changed my life... These probation officers, they have your back." She now has a home, job, and will soon have custody of her children.
Janelle became addicted to drugs when she was homeless, sharing that the drugs were "an easy fix [to] numb the pain" of hunger and exhaustion. She was arrested twice and sent to jail, where she rediscovered her faith in God. She learned about the You-Turn program and "begged the judge" to allow her because of her mom's terminal cancer diagnosis. Janelle relapsed and was sent back to prison. When her mom's condition worsened, the judge gave her a second chance and she rejoined the program. She stated, "I was able to see her every single day 'til the day she died... [My mom] looked up at me, and she said, 'Just keep doing what you're doing. Just stay sober." Janelle suffered the loss of both her parents during her time in the program. She stated, "I was ready to get high. I was so done...And they brought me [to the court] and I was able to talk [to someone]."
To learn more, visit co.clinton.oh.us/You-TurnRecoveryDocket.