VALLEY – The Friends of the Chambers County Drug Court have made a $10,000 donation to the Drug Court.

Weymon Johnson, the founding pastor of New Birth Ministry, made the presentation Monday morning on behalf of Friends of the Drug Court. New Birth Ministry works with men and women who are 18 years of age and older who are experiencing problems associated with drug addiction.

The donation is principally from funds generated in this year’s Drug Court banquet. Approximately 70 members of the organization were present at the event, which took place in the family life center at Langdale Methodist Church.

“Every day the Drug Court of Chambers County is out on the front lines in the battle to reclaim and restore individuals and families from the deadly scourge of addiction and drug abuse,” said Rev. Chuck Anderson, president of the Friends of Drug Court. “The Friends of Chambers County Drug Court is a community nonprofit of citizen volunteers who support and pray for Judge Milford and his very talented and committed staff.”

Chambers County Drug Court provides the most professional, successful and cost-effective means of addressing the ever-growing problem of drug and alcohol addiction. Drug Court allows offenders to forego criminal prosecution to enter the Drug Court program. If they successfully complete it, their case is dismissed and they can get a fresh start in life.

Drug Court is by no means an easy ride. Participants commit themselves to a rigorous and highly supervised treatment plan including weekly attendance to recovery groups, community service, regular drug testing, rehab counseling and monthly face-to-face progress appointments with the judge. Though this period they are required to have gainful employment. If they don’t have a high school diploma, they are required to complete their requirements for a GED before they are dismissed.

Drug Court does not accept excuses for a lack of progress in the program. There’s a high bar for the participant to clear but if they do, there’s a very good chance of long-term, drug-free success.

“Drug Court works,” said Rev. Anderson. “It has the most successful record of lasting rehabilitation of any other treatment program in the country.”

Drug Court has proven benefits for the community, including:

•Reduced alcohol and drug abuse dependency among criminal offenders;

•Enhanced community safety due to the reduction in criminal recidivism;

•Increased personal, familial and societal accountability for offenders, and

•The reintroduction of productive citizens back into the community.

The Friends of the Chambers County Drug Court is a group of concerned citizens who believe in the work and mission of the Chambers County Drug Court and are committed to providing practical encouragement to Judge Milford and his dedicated staff, promoting and advancing the mission and the success of Drug Court throughout Chambers County and raising charitable gifts for the Chambers County Drug Court. These funds help underwrite program costs and provide for the therapeutic success of participants.

For more information about Chambers County Drug Court call (706) 585-0779 or e-mail drugcourtfriend@charter.net.