A program offering offenders with drug and alcohol offenses not just compassion, but a path forward outside of jail time, was highlighted during a recent Trenton Rotary Club meeting.

During the meeting, Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Matt Krohn spoke about the program, saying it began in 2002 in Mercer and Grundy counties and later expanded into Harrison and Putnam counties.

The program offers an alternative for individuals convicted of a drug- or alcohol-related offense and whom the court believes could benefit from the services provided. Those services include counseling, group meetings and community service, all of which participants are required to attend.

Krohn said the program is making a difference in fighting substance abuse in the area. Treatment Coordinator Penny Hines said the program has an 80% success rate and that the counties are seeing substantial savings by not having those individuals incarcerated.

The program is funded through both state and federal grants.

Grundy County Associate Judge Carrie Lamm-Clark assists with the weekly court sessions and said the program is demanding, but beneficial for participants. She said the court provides structure and resources to help individuals become successful, but the participant must do the work.

Also speaking to the Rotary Club were retired judge Tom Keedy, who serves as the defense attorney representative on the team, and Melanie Tipton, who works with counseling efforts.

Gary Swafford, a participant in the program, shared his experiences and how the court helped turn his life around.

“It literally saved my life,” he said.