H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduate Project “KickStart Smiles” Supports Children And Families Through KIC Housing (Photo) - 08/17/26

ROSEBURG, Ore., August 17, 2026 — H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant Lukas Allen is turning his graduation community project into an opportunity to support local children and families receiving housing assistance through KIC Housing.

Lukas’s project, KickStart Smiles, is collecting items for children from birth through age 10, including crayons, coloring books, books, small toys, age-appropriate games, backpacks, school supplies, and other fun and useful items that can help bring comfort, creativity, and a sense of normalcy to children during times of transition.  The program is seeking washable items for markers, paints, etc. if donated.

KIC Housing works with local families who need housing assistance while participating in Adapt programs related to substance use disorder. Stable housing can be an important part of recovery by reducing barriers and helping parents focus on treatment, family responsibilities, and building a healthier future for themselves and their children.

For Lukas, the project is especially meaningful because of his own experience receiving housing assistance.  “I want to help them better their program by providing items that assist with their process to help kids with fun and useful items the parents may not always have the opportunity to provide,” Lukas said. “I received housing assistance and am grateful for the help with my children.”

In addition to toys, books, and activities for younger children, Lukas is collecting backpacks and school supplies to support families with school-age children. The goal is to help ease some of the financial pressure families may experience while making sure children have supplies they need to participate in school and feel prepared alongside their peers.

Recovery Is About More Than One Person

An important part of treatment court is helping participants build stability in all areas of their lives. For parents, that often includes strengthening relationships with their children and working toward healthy and safe family reunification.

Substance use disorder can affect the entire family. As parents progress through treatment and recovery, rebuilding trust and strengthening the parent-child relationship can take time. Stable housing, consistent routines, access to treatment, and supportive community resources can help create an environment where families are able to heal together.

For children, reunification is about more than returning to the same household. It can mean rebuilding a sense of safety, consistency, trust, and connection with a parent who is working to make lasting changes. Providing families with basic resources and positive activities for their children can help reduce stress during that process and allow parents to focus more of their energy on recovery and parenting.

The Importance of H.O.P.E. Drug Court

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program provides participants with structured accountability, treatment, court supervision, and connections to community resources designed to address the underlying challenges associated with substance use disorder. Treatment courts recognize that long-term recovery often requires more than simply stopping substance use. Participants work toward improving housing stability, family relationships, employment, physical and behavioral health, and their connection to the community.

Community projects completed during the graduation phase give participants an opportunity to reflect on their own experiences while giving back to the community that supported their recovery. Projects such as KickStart Smiles allow participants to turn lessons learned through their own journey into something that can provide hope and encouragement to another family.

Lukas hopes the donated items will help parents feel supported while also giving children something of their own to enjoy during what can be an uncertain time.

How to Help

Items Needed:

• Washable toys for children birth through age 10
• Crayons
• Coloring books
• Children’s books
• Small toys
• Fun, age-appropriate games and activities
• Backpacks
• School supplies

Donations will be collected until September 15, 2026.

Drop-Off Locations:

Clint Newell Motors
1481 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg, Oregon

Douglas County Juvenile Department
First-floor lobby of the Douglas County Courthouse
1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Room 105A

Community members are encouraged to help Lukas complete his H.O.P.E. Drug Court graduation project and support local families working toward recovery, stability, and stronger futures for their children.  Every backpack, book, box of crayons, toy, or school supply donated is a small reminder to a child and parent that their community is behind them as they move forward together.

Community Invited to Celebrate the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.  The graduation ceremony recognizes participants who have worked diligently to overcome challenges, maintain their recovery, meet program expectations, and successfully complete the requirements of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program. Graduation represents much more than completion of a court program; it recognizes the determination, accountability, personal growth, and perseverance demonstrated by participants throughout their recovery journey.

The community is encouraged to attend, celebrate the graduates, and hear about the accomplishments, challenges, and hard work that brought each participant to this important milestone. Community support plays an important role in helping individuals in recovery recognize that their progress matters and that they have people encouraging them as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives. 

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

BRIGHTER DAYS FOR HOPE (Photo) - 08/12/26

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Turns Recovery into Community Action

ROSEBURG, Ore. — August 12.  Jesse Barrett, a participant in the graduation phase of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program, is giving back to the community through his community project, Brighter Days for Hope, a clothing drive focused on helping low-income and unhoused individuals in Douglas County.

Jesse is collecting new and gently used men’s pants, shirts, and socks through September 15, 2026. While clothing needs exist throughout the community, men’s clothing can often be in especially short supply. Through Brighter Days for Hope, Jesse hopes to help fill that gap and make sure men experiencing hardship have access to clean, comfortable clothing when they need it most.

“Even the hardest day sober is better than the best day in active addiction.” — Jesse Barrett

DONATIONS NEEDED

Community members are encouraged to donate:

• Pants
• Shirts
• Socks
• New or gently used items are welcome

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

HIV Alliance
647 W. Luellen Drive, Suite 3

Painted Horse Recovery Center
1941 SE Stephens St.

Green Community Church
3777 Carnes Road

Donations will be collected through September 15.

Clothing, Community and a Hand Up

Brighter Days for Hope is intended to provide more than clothing. It is about offering a hand up to individuals who may be struggling with homelessness or limited income, while creating an opportunity for people to participate in caring for the community around them.

Jesse plans to distribute clothing during a Connecting Point event on September 17. Any remaining items will be provided to HIV Alliance to hand out at their discretion.  As part of the project, individuals experiencing homelessness will be encouraged to bring in a bag of collected trash in exchange for new clothing.

The idea behind the exchange is not to create a barrier to receiving help, but to provide an opportunity for participation, contribution and community pride. Picking up trash can help improve shared public spaces while allowing participants to know that they, too, have something valuable to contribute. The simple exchange promotes dignity, responsibility and connection while reinforcing the message that everyone can play a role in making their community better.

It is also an opportunity to shift the conversation from simply receiving assistance to working together. A cleaner community benefits everyone, while clean clothing can provide comfort, confidence and a renewed sense of hope for someone facing difficult circumstances.

Recovery That Reaches Beyond the Courtroom

Community projects are an important part of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court experience because recovery is about more than completing treatment or meeting court requirements. It is also about rebuilding connections, recognizing personal strengths and finding meaningful ways to contribute to others.

Treatment courts bring together the justice system, treatment providers and community partners to help participants address substance use, establish stability and work toward long-term recovery. As participants progress through the program, community projects provide an opportunity to take what they have learned and turn it into positive action.

Projects such as Brighter Days for Hope allow participants to identify a need that matters to them and become part of the solution. They also give the community an opportunity to see recovery in action — through service, accountability, compassion and meaningful change.

For Jesse, reaching the graduation phase represents significant progress in his own journey. His project carries a message that extends beyond donated clothing: people can change, people can contribute, and brighter days are possible.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program recognizes that when individuals in recovery are supported in becoming healthy, stable and connected members of their community, the positive impact reaches far beyond one person. Families become stronger, community connections grow and hope becomes something that can be shared with others.

HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP

Residents, businesses, churches and community organizations are encouraged to support Brighter Days for Hope by donating new or gently used men’s clothing before September 15, 2026.

A pair of pants, a clean shirt or a new pair of socks may seem simple, but for someone going through a difficult period, it can provide comfort, dignity and one less obstacle to overcome.

Together, small acts of service can help create brighter days and greater hope throughout our community.

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.

For more information or to contribute, community members are encouraged to participate in the listed event.  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

FROM LIVING OUTDOORS TO GIVING BACK: DRUG COURT PARTICIPANT LAUNCHES “WARM FOR THE WINTER” COMMUNITY PROJECT (Photo) - 08/10/26

H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant Merrill Ball turns his own experience into hope for people working to rebuild their lives

ROSEBURG, Ore. — August 10, 2026 — Having once experienced life without stable housing himself, H.O.P.E. Drug Court participant Merrill Ball knows firsthand how much a warm coat, a blanket and a helping hand can mean to someone who is struggling.

Now, as he reaches the graduation phase of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program, Ball is using his required community project as an opportunity to give back to the community that helped him rebuild his own life.

His project, “Warm for the Winter — Helping Those in Need,” is collecting new and gently used winter essentials for adults in need throughout the Douglas County community.

“I have been there and just want people to know it gets better and to keep your head up and moving forward,” Ball said.

Ball’s message comes from personal experience. His journey has required strength, resilience and a willingness to make significant changes. He credits his turnaround in large part to the combination of treatment, wraparound services, community support and the structure and accountability provided through the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program.  For Ball, Warm for the Winter is about more than collecting coats and blankets. It is about reminding people who may currently be struggling that their circumstances do not have to define their future.

RECOVERY TAKES MORE THAN ONE SERVICE

Drug Court is designed to address the issues that often contribute to continued involvement in the criminal justice system by combining accountability with treatment, supervision and support.

Recovery and long-term stability rarely happen through one service alone. Participants may need substance use treatment, mental and behavioral health support, stable housing, transportation, employment assistance, medical care, peer support and other resources as they work to rebuild their lives.

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program works alongside treatment providers, community organizations and other local partners to help participants address those barriers while building the skills and stability necessary for long-term success.

The goal extends beyond sobriety. It is helping individuals establish healthier lives, strengthen relationships, find and maintain employment, secure stable housing, reconnect with their communities and develop the tools needed to continue moving forward.  Ball’s story is an example of what can happen when personal determination is met with accountability, treatment and a community willing to provide support.

Now, he wants to provide some of that support to others.

WARM FOR THE WINTER DONATION DRIVE

Community members are encouraged to donate:

• New or gently used adult coats — all sizes
• Throw blankets
• New socks
• Gloves
• Hand warmers
• Simple hygiene items

Donations will be collected through September 11, 2026.

DROP-OFF BOX LOCATIONS

Clint Newell Motors
1481 NE Stephens Street
Roseburg

Big O Tires
2545 NE Stewart Parkway
Roseburg

MEET MERRILL AT ROSEBURG GROCERY OUTLET

Ball will also be outside Roseburg Grocery Outlet accepting donations and talking with community members on the following dates:

Tuesday, August 11 — 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.  (Removed due to a court meeting)
Tuesday, August 18 — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 25 — 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 1 — 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Roseburg Grocery Outlet is located at 780 NW Garden Valley Blvd., Suite 150.

A PROJECT ROOTED IN HOPE

Warm for the Winter represents the larger purpose behind community projects completed through the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program: giving participants an opportunity to recognize their own growth while making a positive contribution to the community.

For Ball, the project brings his journey full circle.

He understands what it feels like to live outdoors, to face uncertainty and to need help getting back on your feet. Today, he is using that experience to help ensure someone else has a coat, blanket, pair of gloves or other basic necessity items when winter arrives.

His message to others is simple: keep going.

With treatment, accountability, wraparound services, community resources and people willing to help, change is possible.

And sometimes, one person’s recovery can become another person’s reason to have hope.  Ball will be handing out items during a Connecting Point location on September 17 and proving the South River Medical Center with any leftover items to hand out at their discretion.

ABOUT H.O.P.E. DRUG COURT

The H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program uses a collaborative treatment court approach that combines judicial accountability, substance use disorder treatment, supervision, incentives, support services and community partnerships. The program works to address barriers that can contribute to continued justice-system involvement while helping participants develop the stability, skills and support necessary to maintain recovery and build productive lives in the community.

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.

The graduation ceremony recognizes participants who have worked diligently to overcome challenges, maintain their recovery and successfully complete the requirements of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program. The community is encouraged to attend, celebrate the graduates and hear about the accomplishments, perseverance and hard work that brought them to this important milestone.

For more information or to contribute, community members are encouraged to participate in the listed event.  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 Hosts Community Car Wash Fundraisers (Photo) - 08/04/26

H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participant Hosts Community Car Wash Fundraisers

Donations will support first aid kits for local businesses and community members in need

ROSEBURG, Ore. — August 3, 2026 — A participant in the Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court program will host two donation-based car washes to raise funds for first aid kits that will be distributed to local businesses. The kits will be kept on hand to assist customers, community members and others who may need basic first aid supplies.

The car washes will be held:

Sunday, August 9, 2026
 

Sunday, August 30, 2026
 

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Big O Tires
2545 NW Stewart Parkway
Roseburg, Oregon

There is no set charge for a vehicle wash, and donations of any amount will be gratefully accepted.

The fundraisers are part of a participant-led community service project connected to a Resource Day event planned for September 15. The project provides the participant with an opportunity to give back to the community while helping local businesses become better prepared to respond when someone needs basic first aid assistance.

Community members are also invited to attend the 114th H.O.P.E. Drug Court Graduation on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. The ceremony will be held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Cascade Hall.

The graduation ceremony recognizes participants who have worked diligently to overcome challenges, maintain their recovery and successfully complete the requirements of the H.O.P.E. Drug Court program. The community is encouraged to attend, celebrate the graduates and hear about the accomplishments, perseverance and hard work that brought them to this important milestone.

For more information or to contribute, community members are encouraged to participate in the listed event.  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