Rainsville, Ala. – Perhaps more than any previous commencement event, graduates from Wednesday’s Fort Payne Day Reporting Center Graduation had plenty to say about the journey. On the campus of Northeast Alabama Community College – a longtime partner of the DRC Lite program – former and graduating participants took the stage one after another to speak about completing the program.
Former graduate Melody Marr, who previously told her story to the Bureau, began by speaking about her perspective change, encouraging graduates to keep their eyes on the prize. “I don’t know what I would have done without this program,” Marr said, giving credit to the DRC Lite program fostering a perspective change. “It really works.”
Matthew Scott, a current graduate, spoke about how while in prison it was a forgone conclusion from others that incarceration is a repeating cycle. However, Matthew rose above the endless loop by volunteering for the DRC Lite program and taking active steps to change. “If you want change, you can have change.” Matthew said, “In reality, [the DRC Lite program] is something to help you keep going.” He credited the Fort Payne DRC Lite staff by name and spoke about the many technical programs he completed through the program.
Melissa Stephens, another graduate, then spoke about being open with yourself and others if problems arise. She encouraged all participants, even after the conclusion of the program, to confide in their officers and mentors in the face of inevitable challenges.
Prior to the graduates speaking, Fort Payne Day Reporting Center staff members Administrator Brandon Thompson, Officer Jacob Waites, and Social Service Caseworker Christopher Huff delivered heartfelt messages about how far the graduates had come.
The audience then welcomed special guest speaker Ninth Judicial Circuit Judge Andrew Hairston to the stage. “I’m so happy for you,” said Judge Hairston. “All the reporting, the work, the court hearings, the lectures — it’s all paid off.” He spurred on the participants, encouraging them to work hard, make good friends, and do the right thing.
The Bureau thanks Northeast Alabama Community College and the Alabama Community College System for being an instrumental part of Fort Payne Day Reporting Center Lite programming. NACC provides a venue for commencement ceremonies and encourages participants to further their education with classes and certificate programs.
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.
