H.O.P.E. Drug Court Celebrates 112th Graduation And The Transformative Impact Of Treatment Courts (Photo) - 03/19/26

Roseburg, OR — The H.O.P.E. Adult Drug Court will celebrate its 112th graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 30, 2026, at the Douglas County Fairgrounds – Cascade Hall, beginning at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson, who leads the adult drug court program.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation is a time of transformation, reflection, and community celebration. Attendees will hear directly from graduates as they share their personal journeys, stories of perseverance, healing, accountability, and hope. These moments highlight not only the strength and determination of each participant but also the commitment of the entire Drug Court team and the many community partners who support them along the way.

“These ceremonies remind us what recovery looks like in real life,” said Judge Johnson. “It takes hard work, accountability, and support. Drug court is built on the belief that people can change when they are given the structure, treatment, and encouragement needed to transform their lives.”

The Role of Treatment Courts

Treatment courts such as the H.O.P.E. Drug Court represent a shift in how communities address substance use and the criminal justice system. Rather than relying solely on incarceration, treatment courts recognize substance-use disorder as a complex health issue that requires treatment, supervision, and long-term support.

Participants in Drug Court follow a structured program that includes intensive treatment, frequent court appearances, regular drug testing, and close supervision. The program also provides access to counseling, peer support, employment assistance, and family resources. This comprehensive approach not only addresses addiction but also helps individuals rebuild stability in their lives.  For many participants, Drug Court becomes a turning point and an opportunity to break the cycle of addiction, rebuild relationships, and restore hope for the future.

A Proven Investment in the Community

Drug courts have demonstrated measurable success both locally and nationwide. By focusing on treatment and accountability, these programs significantly reduce repeat offenses and strengthen public safety. In 2024, the H.O.P.E. Drug Court celebrated 21 graduates, saving taxpayers an estimated $4.56 million in prison costs by keeping participants in a structured treatment program within the community. In 2025, four graduation ceremonies produced 20 graduates, resulting in over $4.22 million in additional taxpayer savings.

Beyond the financial savings, the program’s true impact can be seen in restored families, stable employment, improved health outcomes, and individuals who return to the community as productive and engaged citizens.  The success of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program reflects the collaboration of the judge, treatment providers, probation officers, peer mentors, community organizations, and local supporters who believe in second chances and long-term recovery.

This graduation group community projects helped:

• Brockway School
• CASA
• Chadwick Clubhouse
• Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center
• FISH Food Pantry
• Oxford Housing/TrueNorth Star Ministries Munson House
• Roseburg Dream Center
• Saving Grace Humane Society
• WIC

From these projects, 1,820 pounds of food was collected, 83 laundry baskets filled with fresh start items for new residents of Oxford and transitional housing, 203 cans of wet pet food, 11 bags of dry pet food, 10 weighted blankets for youth housed at the Deer Creek Adolescent Treatment Center, 4 large boxes of art supplies, $100 gift card to use at a local art store, 33 bags of clothes to Roseburg Dream Center, 23 pairs of shoes, 8 boxes of hygiene, 184 books for WIC and 57 jackets, 11 bags of trash from Thrive Umpqua’s section of the bike path cleanup, Gateway Community Garden at the Roseburg Senior Center restored and Fremont Middle School Woodshop class made a sign for the garden entrance, 109 monkey backpacks for kids with CASA and 96 duffel bags, and 100 pairs of pants for children at Brockway School.  In addition to the multitude of donated items from our generous community, the total money raised from these projects totaled $ 10,290.77.

Guest Speaker

This graduation’s guest speaker is Jason Cornutt, a graduate of the 105^th H.O.P.E. Dug Court program and a dedicated peer mentor with ADAPT. Through determination and growth, he has turned his life around and now helps others navigate their own recovery journeys. As the speaker for the 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation, Jason represents the strength and possibility of lasting change.

Event Details

• What: 112th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation
• When: March 30, 2026, at 5:15 p.m.
• Where: Cascade Hall, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, OR
• Who: Open to the community; presided over by the Honorable Robert B. Johnson

As the program celebrates its 112th graduation, the message remains clear: recovery is possible, accountability matters, and communities grow stronger when individuals are given the opportunity and support to change. Community members are encouraged to attend the graduation ceremony and witness firsthand the power of transformation and recovery.

Learn more and view graduation project flyers:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Projects Conclude This First Week Of March (Photo) - 03/04/26

Roseburg, OR – The 112th class of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is wrapping up its community service projects this week, marking the culmination of hard work, recovery, and community engagement.

Zach Smith will be at Grocery Outlet on Thursday, March 5, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., continuing his collection of dog and cat food to benefit Saving Grace Humane Society. Smith is nearing his final donation goal and is once again reaching out to the community to help bring awareness to the mobile food program twice monthly at Stewart Park that Saving Grace provides to local residents.

Nathan Sessions will host a community spaghetti feed fundraiser on Friday, March 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Liberty Christian Fellowship Church, located at 813 SE Lane Street. A free play will take place at 6:00 p.m. for those who would like to enjoy dinner followed by the performance.

The cost is $10 per person and includes spaghetti, bread, dessert, and a beverage. Proceeds from the event will benefit Chadwick Clubhouse, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving adults living with mental illness.

Recognizing the vital role transportation plays in accessing services, this project aims to help Chadwick Clubhouse replace its aging van, which currently has more than 300,000 miles and is no longer reliable. Chadwick Clubhouse provides a supportive, recovery-focused environment where members participate in structured daily activities, employment support, and community connection. Reliable transportation ensures members who are unable to drive can consistently attend programming and access critical services.

To assist with the purchase of a gently used replacement van, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched: https://gofund.me/1e70e549c.

On Saturday, March 7, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Kevin Davidson will complete the final phase of his three-part community project in partnership with Thrive Umpqua. His efforts included cleaning and repairing the damaged Gateway Community Garden at the Roseburg Senior Center, collecting cans to raise funds for the “Eating Healthy on a Budget” class serving individuals at Adapt’s Progress Point, and now leading a cleanup along the bike path from the Duck Pond to the Tennis Center. This section of the bike path is adopted by Thrive Umpqua.  Donations still accepted for this project are vegetable seeds for the community garden, soil, or pressure treated wood to continue updating the garden.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court program supports justice-involved individuals by providing treatment-focused alternatives that emphasize accountability, recovery, and positive community engagement. Community service projects such as these allow participants to give back while building life skills, purpose, and stronger local connections.

For more information about the program or to view project flyers, visit:

https://www.douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

Community members are encouraged to attend the spaghetti feed, stop by Grocery Outlet to donate pet food, or contribute to the GoFundMe campaign. Any assistance is greatly appreciated and will directly support the nonprofit organizations selected by the Drug Court participants.

Media contact for Chadwick Clubhouse

Trista Saltekoff | Executive Director | trista@chadwickclubhouse.com | 541-671-2176
 

Media contacts for Saving Grace:  
Cyn Demers | Development & Communications Manager | development@savinggrace.info | 541.672.3907 ext. 116  
Jennifer Barta | Executive Director | executivedirector@savinggrace.info | 541.672.3907 ext. 120

Thriving for Growth Project Contact: Kevin Davidson at 458-802-8412.

Roxy’s Paws Of Hope Supports Saving Grace Humane Society Through Fundraising Efforts At The Douglas County Co-op (Photo) - 02/18/26

Roseburg, OR — February 18 2026 —

A Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduate phase participant is giving back to the community through Roxy’s Paws of Hope, a community project benefiting Saving Grace Humane Society.

Roxy’s Paws of Hope is focused on collecting cans of wet dog and cat food and regular pet food to help restock Saving Grace’s mobile pet food bank, which serves local families by parking at Stewart Park twice each month and participating in the First Thursday community events.  Zach Smith, Drug Court graduate phase participant, recently held a food event and will now be present at the Douglas County Co-Op on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. seeking food or monetary donations.

In addition to physical donations, Saving Grace Humane Society has added an online donation page through their website to allow community members to contribute financially to support the project.

Roxy’s Paws of Hope is being completed as part of a graduate community project, one of the highlights of the Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program. Graduate community projects allow participants in the final phase of the program to demonstrate personal growth, social development, and internal motivation through meaningful service. Poster boards highlighting each graduate’s community project will be displayed in the lobby prior to the graduation ceremony.  Graduate flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at: https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Leads Thriving For Growth Community Service Projects (Photo) - 02/18/26

Roseburg, Oregon – February 18, 2026. 

A graduate phase participant in the H.O.P.E. Drug Court is making a positive impact on the Roseburg community through a service initiative called Thriving for Growth. The project focuses on beautification, sustainability, and community wellness through hands-on volunteer efforts.

As part of the initiative, the participant recently helped revitalize the Gateway Community Garden, located at the Roseburg Senior Center. Improvements included repairing and expanding raised garden boxes, adding fresh soil, and installing new weed-control tarp to enhance the garden’s usability and longevity. The garden project continues to welcome community support and donations, particularly additional soil, cedar lumber for garden boxes, and seeds for the raised beds.

A second component of the Thriving for Growth initiative will focus on a volunteer led cleanup on the bike path along Thrive Umpqua’s adopted stretch of the local bike path, running from the Duck Pond to the Tennis Center. The cleanup event is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, and community members are welcome to join in supporting a cleaner, healthier outdoor space.

A third component of this project is to assist Thrive Umpqua with the cost of their monthly classes for Eating Healthy on a Budget to support individuals utilizing the Progress Point facility operated by Adapt Integrated Healthcare.  This program focuses on practical skills for preparing nutritious, affordable meals and promoting long-term wellness.  To help fund the class, a community can and bottle drive is currently underway, and monetary donations are also welcome to expand program resources and reach more participants in need. 

Thrive Umpqua, formerly Blue Zones, plays an important role in promoting health and wellness throughout Douglas County. The organization partners with local Treatment Courts to provide education and practical resources that support long-term success and healthy living. Their programs include grocery shopping tours, cooking classes, purpose workshops, and other educational opportunities designed to empower individuals and families to make positive lifestyle choices.

Through projects like Thrive for Growth, participants in the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program demonstrate the power of community engagement, personal growth, and service. These efforts not only enhance public spaces but also strengthen connections between individuals and the broader Roseburg community.  “I’ve lived here my entire life and have done so many things to damage this community,” stated Kevin Davidson, Drug Court graduate phase participant.  “I just want to give back and help better the community.”

The Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program is preparing to celebrate its 112th graduation on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in the Cascade Hall building. Presided over by the Honorable Judge Robert B. Johnson, H.O.P.E. Drug Court operates under the Douglas County Circuit Court.  Judge Johnson uses three rules with participants to follow, Honesty, Grace, and Accountability, and has stated it was not a clean and sober court, but a place to help provide the tools, guidance and treatment to overcome substance use and encourage them to reflect on their lives beyond their criminal actions.  Posterboards highlighting community project accomplishments will be displayed in the lobby before graduation.

Project flyers and additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program are available through the Douglas County website via the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) at:
https://douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.

Thriving for Growth Project Contact:  Kevin Davidson at 458-802-8412.