From Hopeless to Healing, How Marion County and Partners are Transforming Lives Through Public Safety and Behavioral Health Funding
On Wednesday, January 11, the Board of Commissioners approved the appointment of new and continuing members to the Marion County Justice Reinvestment Council. Made up of law enforcement, government officials, and leaders of community organizations, a lot of the work of this council is to ensure we are spending resources effectively with the goals of reducing recidivism, decreasing prison use, protecting the public, and holding offenders accountable.
We also approved two Behavioral Health Resource Network (BHRN) Grant contracts of $250,000 each—one with Santiam Memorial Hospital to expand behavioral health and addiction treatment services in the Santiam Canyon, and one with PODER Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network to increase service awareness and access for Latinos across the county. The BHRN is a group of local entities working in collaboration to increase access and resources for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and seeking help. By providing adequate resources to people seeking help, we not only can help them to heal and transform their lives on a personal level, but we also make our whole community stronger and safer.
We’re proud of this work, especially with helping individuals find hope and healing so they can become strong community members again. We have seen many individuals whose lives have transformed through county and partner programs, because at the heart of these programs are caring people (often from similar backgrounds as their clients) who love their communities and neighbors and want to bring healing.
Every fall, we have a Marion County Reentry Initiative (MCRI) Breakfast, where we highlight the stories of individuals who have gone through reentry programs in Marion County. Their stories of transformation are inspiring, and we want to share those with you now. There is light at the end of the tunnel, as these individuals can attest.
Glen’s Story
What started as a life of brokenness, drug addiction, prison and probation, transformed into healing and working for the Clackamas County Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, helping others on their journey to recovery.
Rachel’s Story
Now a Certified Recovery Mentor for Ideal Option, Rachel’s story lead her from drug addiction and prison to finding help through county and partner programs, working toward healing for herself and for the sake of her kids.
Eli’s Story
Eli, a Native American of the Tohono O' Odam Nation, Hopi, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa/Cree tribes, is currently a Co-Occurring Therapist and Program Supervisor with Bridgeway Recovery Services. Coming from a life of substance abuse, gang activity, and having been in and out of prison, his life looks completely different now. Having had time to heal from his past, he’s passionate about paying forward the care and support he received on his own journey.
Jacquie’s Story
Jacquie was struggling with heroin addiction when she realized she needed help, or she was going to die. Living out of her car and extremely unwell, she made the choice to walk into Marion County Health & Human Services to seek help. Years later, she is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor registrant, crediting the Marion County LEAD Program with saving her life. She’s presently employed at CASA of Marion County as an Advocate Coordinator.
Working to help transform lives and make our community stronger is one of the most meaningful aspects of our job as your Board of Commissioners. We hope you are as moved by these stories as we are, and that you can feel as inspired as we do with the progress being made to heal and strengthen our community. This is the work that matters.