H.O.P.E. Drug Court Participants Turn Recovery Into Service Through Community Car Wash Fundraisers (Photo) - 08/26/26

ROSEBURG, Ore., August 26, 2026 — Participants in the Douglas County H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program are putting recovery into action by organizing a series of community car washes to raise funds for projects designed to give back to children, families and individuals throughout Douglas County.

As participants near graduation from H.O.P.E. Drug Court, they complete a community project that allows them to identify a need, develop a plan and find a meaningful way to serve the community that has supported them throughout their recovery journey.

Several current participants are joining together to host upcoming car washes, with each fundraiser supporting the goals of a participant’s individual community project.

Upcoming H.O.P.E. Drug Court Community Car Washes

First Responder Appreciation Community Project
Sunday, August 30 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Big O Tires – Stewart Parkway, Roseburg

Funds raised will help support a participant’s First Responder Appreciation project, designed to bring first responders, community resources, children and families together in a positive environment that encourages connection, education and familiarity with the people and services available to help during an emergency or crisis.

Warm for the Winter
Saturday, September 5 | 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Abby’s Legendary Pizza – Stephens Street, Roseburg

This project will help provide winter necessities to individuals in need. The participant behind Warm for the Winter has personal experience with homelessness and wants to use his recovery journey to provide hope and practical assistance to others who may be facing difficult circumstances.

KickStart Smiles
Sunday, August 30 | 2 – 5 p.m.
Sunday, September 6 | 2 – 5 p.m.
Abby’s Legendary Pizza – Stephens Street, Roseburg

KickStart Smiles focuses on children who have a parent involved in substance use treatment. Funds raised will be used to purchase child-friendly items, including books, games, backpacks and supplies, to help provide comfort, encouragement and a little extra joy for children and families working toward greater stability.

Every Car Wash is By Donation

There is no set charge for any of the car washes. All washes are by donation, allowing community members to contribute whatever amount they are comfortable giving.

Every donation helps participants move closer to achieving the goals they have established for their community projects and, ultimately, helps the program, organization or population their project is intended to benefit.  These projects are about much more than raising money. They provide participants with an opportunity to practice leadership, responsibility, communication, planning and teamwork while experiencing firsthand the importance of giving back.  For many participants, the causes they select are deeply personal. Their projects often reflect challenges they or their families have experienced and give them an opportunity to turn those experiences into something positive for another person.

Ensuring Accountability for Donations

To ensure accountability and transparency, all monetary donations collected through the car washes are handled through the Douglas County Friends of Treatment Court.  Participants do not personally retain or spend money collected through the fundraisers. Donations designated for the community projects are managed through the Friends of Treatment Court, with approved items purchased through the Program Chair. This process helps ensure that funds raised are used for their intended purpose and directly support the goals of each participant’s approved community project.

Recovery That Reaches Beyond the Courtroom

H.O.P.E. Drug Court provides an intensive and structured alternative for eligible individuals whose substance use has contributed to involvement in the criminal justice system. Participants work closely with the Court, treatment providers, supervision, attorneys and community partners while completing substance use treatment, maintaining recovery and working toward greater stability in areas such as housing, employment, family relationships and overall wellness.

The community project completed during the graduation phase is an opportunity for participants to demonstrate how far they have come while making a positive contribution to the community around them.  These projects also illustrate an important part of recovery: moving beyond personal change and discovering the ability to make a difference in the lives of others.  Community members are encouraged to stop by one or more of the upcoming car washes, get their vehicle cleaned and support H.O.P.E. Drug Court participants as they work to turn their recovery accomplishments into meaningful service for Douglas County.

Every car washed, every donation made and every person who stops by helps participants reach their project goals and strengthens their opportunity to give back to the community that has supported their success.

For additional information about the H.O.P.E. Drug Court Program and upcoming community projects, visit the Douglas County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) webpage at douglascountyor.gov/851/HOPE-Drug-Court.