By Matthew Estes, Communications Director
JASPER, Ala. – On Friday, Oct. 14, 11 participants from the Jasper Day Reporting Center Lite graduated from the program, celebrated by a commencement ceremony at The Storehouse. After a processional, Jasper DRC Lite Administrator Lamanda Dansby and DRC Lite District Manager Chris Causey acknowledged all guests for coming to support the graduates and thanked community partners.
“I would like to thank the DRC Lite staff members and leadership team at the Storehouse Ministries for helping to make this ceremony amazing and meaningful,” said Administrator Dansby. “Additionally, I would like to thank the Bureau for the opportunity to serve in this capacity.”
A highlight of the event was a testimony from Robert Godwin, a participant in the program who found success by leaning upon a large support network, many of whom he brought upon stage to acknowledge publicly. Billy Basham, another participant, also spoke briefly to express his gratitude for the support of attending guests.
The keynote speaker, Circuit Judge Joeletta Barrentine, was enthusiastic for the success for the graduates and bid them encouraging wisdom moving forward. Bureau Director Cam Ward also spoke directly to the graduates, sharing personal anecdotes useful for helping them make good choices.
The Bureau gratefully acknowledges The Storehouse for providing the venue for the event, along with all community partners for their involvement in the DRC Lite program.
DRCs provide counseling, educational training and supervision for probationers and parolees. With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health, and cognitive restructuring needs, DRC staff is committed to reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety through behavior change. Currently, full Day Reporting Centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs offering similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.
