Below is a letter that was shared with me by a graduate that is a example of the success this program can bring and also demonstrates how the road to recovery is long and full of potholes.
Thank you for reading this.
Chief Frank G. Frederickson,
“Two years ago I was standing in this court room being surrendered due to a probation violation. I stood here before the sitting judge awaiting my fate when he finally gave the nod to the court officer, I put my hands behind my back feeling the cold metal cuffs grasping my wrists. I then knew my life would change forever. I was then crammed into the back of the transport van. The ride was rough and uncomfortable, I could barely sit up straight as every bump or turn embedded the cuffs deeper into my aching wrists not to mention I froze my tail off. The ride seemed to take a while I remember having mixed emotions, on one hand I was curious of what to expect and on the other was a deep regret for my actions. When we finally arrived at Otis, my curiosity quickly turned to embarrassment. I always held myself to a higher standard than a pathetic jail bird but here I was no better than the jail bird beside me. I was in holding for a few hours where the CO’s registered all the newest losers to join the party. I was offered a measly bologna sandwich and vanilla cookies. Ignorant to the new life I had acquired I passed on the cheese less sandwich. No wonder the man next to me looked at me like I had two heads. Later on that night I realized my mistake when my stomach continued to growl. It didn’t take long for the loneliness and sorrow to settle in. I felt less than a man, more like a caged animal. I was locked in a freezing 6 by 9 cell for 22 hours a day. Not much different than a zoo animal. This was not the life I had envisioned for me but nonetheless I had to accept it, for now. I tried to pass time by consuming my mind with a book. Like a lot of other inmates I chose the Bible to help me along the way. This was the first good choice I had made in a long time. As the days turn to night I read more and more trying to invoke the passages into my life. I then started to look at my situation in a different light. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and i realized that this wasn’t a punishment. This was a necessary page in my life that soon would be turned for the better. After 28 demeaning days and nights it was my time to be transported back before the judge. Lucky for me it was before our very own Judge Julian and I say lucky because if it were another judge, man or a women I may not have been given the chance to participate in the OCC DRUG COURT PROGRAM. It definitely wasn’t easy it was an up hill battle for me at first and I’m sure Judge Julien may have doubted his decision but nevertheless he didn’t turned his back on me. He let me fight my demons head on. Although I am aware that I’ll be fighting this war of addiction for the rest of my life, I do know… I won this battle and I will always have love and respect in my heart for Judge Julien as he had my back the entire way through. I also could not have had a better Probation officer in Christine Drew. Christine is a very compassionate women who may have never been in our shoes but she’s understanding, a good listener and gives even better advice. So I just want to thank her also for all her help along the way. This program has done so much for my life. It has given me a new beginning. I graduated this program back in May of this year and within the six months to now I have accomplished more than I have in the past few years combined. I now have a good job with full benefits and a 401k retirement plan. I also received my driver’s license back and I’m proud to say I am now enrolled at Snhu To earn an online BS in business management. 2 years ago I stood here a broken man.
Media release furnished by Yarmouth Police
