May 25, 2023 3:40 a.m.

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court will have their 102nd graduation ceremony on Tuesday May 30th at 5:00 p.m.

A release from Douglas County Circuit Court said David Grammon of TrueNorth Star Ministries will be the guest speaker. The event will recognize four individuals whose lives have been transformed by the treatment and support provided by the program. With family and friends in attendance, the graduation will honor these men and women who have completed an intensive program of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, close supervision and accountability.

The Honorable Circuit Court Judge Robert B. Johnson said, “I’m very proud of this group of graduates. The 3 key pillars for our program are honesty, grace and accountability, and this cohort of graduates have taken this to heart. I am elated with their growth. Not only have they learned a lot that will serve them going forward, they have also been positive role models for other participants in Drug Court”.

The release said H.O.P.E. stands for help, opportunity, pride and emancipation. It is an abstinence-based program that connects participants with treatment services, provides supervision through probation and holds participants accountable through frequent court dates. 611 participants have graduated from program since it began. That includes 324 men and 287 women.

Team partners for the program include: Douglas County District Attorney, Umpqua Valley Public Defender, Douglas County Probation Department, Adapt and the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremony in Courtroom 303.