“Pathway for Change” graduation ceremony at county jail

 

A celebration took place at the St. Francois County Jail, where a small group gathered to recognize five individuals whose commitment toward a better future marked them as the first graduates of the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment (RSAT) Program.

This program’s focus is on supporting inmates by providing substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to incarcerated individuals and preparing them for reintegration into the community. Sheriff Jeff Crites said the program helps break recidivism, the dreaded cycle of an offender being released to repeat bad choices and returning to the jail setting again. “This gives them the tools they need to be in the community and to be a productive citizen.”

Jail Navigator Anna Denny, who says she is a non-clinician, holds a number of certifications and is pivotal to the program’s success. One such certification is Mortal Recognition Therapy, which the sheriff said allows her to teach parenting, anger management, and life skills to the inmates before they go back into society. She is continuing to pursue training opportunities to acquire additional certifications, expanding the program’s options.

Both Crites and Ryan credit Denny for creating the program for SFCSD and the unique needs at the facility. It has been named “Pathway for Change.” Transformations and changed lives have quickly become realized as participants progress through the 120-day program; recently, several program participants, along with other inmates (and two civilians with connections to the jail) requested the first-ever baptism service to be conducted at the jail. Crites said he was happy to accommodate the request for “a day of hope.”

Ryan said the program’s success hinges on the fact that participation is not mandated or incentivized in any way through the court system. “With every program that we reviewed, everything works on a volunteer participation basis. If you’re forced into a program, it’s going to be really hard to take full advantage of that program. If it’s something that you really want to do, you’re going to put forth the effort.”

Keynote address

Sheriff Crites acted as the keynote speaker for the ceremony. He welcomed representatives from the courthouse, ministerial providers, members of the law enforcement community, and family and friends of the graduates. He formally addressed the participants who sat in two rows near the podium. Their posture and demeanor were highly disciplined, their expressions attentive and hopeful.

“Today marks a powerful milestone, not just in a calendar, but in the lives of each of you sitting here. You’ve just completed the very first 120-day program inside the St. Francis County Detention Center. This is just not something to be proud of; it’s something to build on. This program wasn’t easy. It required commitment, resilience, and a willingness to grow in the face of challenges. Each one of you showed up, put in the work, and proved that your circumstances don’t define your potential. You’ve chosen hope over habit, strength over stagnation, and change over comfort. You’ve taken a step toward a future that isn’t ruled by your past.

“It’s courage. That’s transformation. Let this be the beginning, not the end. Keep that fire lit. The world may look at you and see where you’ve been, but today, you’ve shown where you’re going. On behalf of everyone who believes in second chances and new beginnings, congratulations–your journey matters.”

Pledge for continued support and presentation of certificates

Navigator Denny also addressed the graduates and gave them a pledge for continued support after they move along to the next stages of their journeys–whether that means becoming part of a recovery house, participation in a re-entry program or treatment plan, release from the system into civilian life, or something entirely different. She said that she and Nurse Katie Harris would always be available for them, a ready support system able and willing to connect them with additional resources to continue the successes they achieved through program completion.

“We will always be here to answer a call from you or come out front to talk,” she said. “We are very honored to be able to continue working with anyone who comes through the program.”

Treena Jones was the single female graduate. In addition to her diploma, she received a certificate for achieving continued sobriety since March 26, 2021.

She said the program has opened so many doors for her that she never imagined would be an option for her future. “They are going to help me get my peer support license. I’ll be getting a job here, working in the treatment program. It’s impressive to see the sheriff’s department making improvements as a whole, helping people instead of just locking them up, but actually offering real help. It’s going to change so many lives.”

Brian Hamelback, Jr., received his diploma and a certificate for achieving sobriety since Mar. 19. He had advice for young people or anyone who might find their lives falling out of control.

He said, “Just stop now, if you can,” he urged. “Help is everywhere. I’m so surprised that the county jail offered this program, and I wish I could have gotten this kind of help when I was younger.” His future plans include expanding his journey into recovery and continuing his sobriety. He believes his faith in the Lord will help him persevere and achieve his goals.

Patrick McCoy received his diploma and a certificate for achieving sobriety since April 30, 2024. He expressed his gratitude for the program and the changes it was able to generate in his life.

“I see myself a lot better now. I’d be sitting in prison right now if it wasn’t for Katie [Nurse Harris],” he said. “Now, I’m graduating this program, and on my next court date, I’ll get out of town, and I’m going to keep rolling with it. I’ve always been self-destructive, but now I’ve been able to stop the drug and alcohol abuse. I was homeless before, and now I’ll be going into an assisted living center and trying to get my disability.

Malaki Cain received his diploma and a certificate for achieving sobriety since March 14. He said initially he had little enthusiasm for the program and had doubts that it would lead him anywhere, but that changed when he began to realize personal growth, and others began to take notice of it.

“I’m going to get back out there, get a job, and start being a father in my family again,” he said. “That’s what I’m striving for. That’s who I want to be, that’s where I want to be, and that’s all that matters to me.”

His advice to others who are facing incarceration or are already a part of the court process was simple.

“Just stick it out, and know that it gets better,” he said. “You’ve got to push through it and commit yourself to the change. You’ll see brighter days, whether it be in self-faith or faith in the Lord. No matter what, you just have to have faith in something. I met the Lord while I was here, and I actually got baptized here, too. I was so happy about that. It meant a lot to me, and it meant a lot to my family to see my picture on Facebook about it.”

Lucas Wampler received his diploma and a certificate for achieving sobriety since March 11. Wampler said this was the first time change really mattered to him.

“I’ve been a drug addict longer than I’ve been sober,” he said. “This is the first time I’ve volunteered for a drug program, took it to heart, the first time I wanted to change for real.” He said the desire to reunite with his family strengthened his resolve to be successful with the opportunity the program presented for guided change.

“The thing I realized is if I don’t change, then I’m not going to be a part of their lives [my family]. And I want to be a part of their lives,” he said. “I’ve never wanted to be out of their lives or locked up, you know what I mean? I’ve never really felt I had the choice in it. This time, I’ve got the choice to change. I’ve talked to them a couple times a week now, but as soon as I get done with this, if they reinstate my probation and my parole, I’m going to go to sober living in St. Louis.”

Navigator Denny hopes to see success repeated and encourages community members to volunteer, teaching life skills that help program participants succeed in other areas.

“Hobbies are something some of these people haven’t pursued, and those are great stress relievers. If you can draw, we’d love someone to come give art lessons. Someone who is good at budgeting would be great to offer advice on personal financial management,” she said.

“Or if someone has an inspirational life story that can guide someone else through a tough situation, I’d love to talk with them about coming in to make a presentation. Anyone interested can call the administration office and leave a message for me: 573-756-3252.”

Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.