Hayley Fennel and her mom Pam enjoy time together at the Treatment Court holiday dinner.
Case Manager Stephani Gilmore, right, who helps with the Sweetwater County Treatment Court program, enjoyed the holiday dinner with her husband Chris.
Several families, friends, supporters and staff members showed up for the Treatment Court dinner.
Treatment Court team members including Kerrie Wadsworth from Probation and Parole attended the holiday dinner.
On Saturday, December 14, the participants of the Sweetwater County Treatment Court Program hosted a holiday dinner for family, friends, and supporters.
According to program coordinator Kayla Kappers, this event is a unique way for the participants to show their appreciation for everyone in their community who has supported them through their sobriety journey.
The participants, alongside some of the program team members, prepared the meal, decorated the tables, and put together raffle prizes.
After the program participants served their guests, Kappers gave a presentation detailing the Sweetwater Treatment Court Program.
Kappers said, "There have been over 65 graduates since the program began in 2006. Since July of this year, six participants have successfully completed the program."
Kappers is also working on a DUI Treatment Court Program starting in 2025.
Kappers went on to explain the structure of the program, which currently includes four phases. Phase one includes stabilization, phase two focuses on treatment and relationships, phase three is relapse prevention, and phase four involves maintaining sobriety. Kappers also announced that there will be an added phase coming in 2025 that will aid participants in developing further education and skills.
The Sweetwater Treatment Court Program is run by a team of experts, ranging from counselors to judges. Team members include Judge John Prokos, County Attorney TahNee Alton, Defense Attorney Carla Reilly, Probation Kerrie Wadsworth, Case Manager Stephani Gilmore, Therapist Thomas Bibber, Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Mathew Bartolotta, Green River Police Department Officer Travis Lynch, GRPD Officer Brad Dodson, and Amanda Lee with the Department of Family Services. The Treatment Court team meets every Tuesday. Most of the team was present for the event.
Case Manager Stephani Gilmore gave further insight into the program. Gilmore stated that the program takes a comprehensive approach designed to treat the whole person and the root causes of their problems while providing the framework for life skills development. She also noted that the program is voluntary, and she estimates that the success rate is close to 80%. Gilmore also praised the many local employers who have embraced the program participants, accommodating the program schedule and restrictions.
"It takes a village, and many local employers are a part of our village," she said. "This program would not be possible without the wider community aiding participants in rebuilding support systems while holding them accountable."
Kappers ended the night by thanking the employers, staff, local law enforcement, the Sweetwater Treatment Court team and board members.
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