Pictured, from left, are Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed and Drug Court Graduate Travis Belt. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Adkins.

By Liz Adkins
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Drug Court Program held a ceremony in recognition of its 100th graduate on Monday, Aug. 26.

Travis Belt, the program’s 100th graduate, received a certificate and token from Kosciusko Circuit Court Judge Michael Reed.

The mission of the Kosciusko County Drug Court is to offer a sentencing alternative for offenders addicted to or abusing illicit drugs through a multi-disciplinary and collaborative intensive rehabilitative services approach.

Drug courts are shown to save money, reduce crime and ensure compliance. Requirements in Kosciusko County’s Drug Court Program include weekly individual and group substance use treatment, randomized drug testing, case management meetings and further individualized treatment plans.

The purpose is to achieve a reduction in recidivism and substance abuse among non-violent substance-using offenders, increasing participants’ likelihood of successful rehabilitation through intense judicial supervision.

The Kosciusko County Drug Court Program, which began accepting participants in January 2014, currently has 22 active participants. For 2024, prior to Belt’s graduation, nine additional participants graduated from the program. The program graduation rate is 68%.

According to Reed, the first drug court in the United States was started around 35 years ago in Florida by a group of judges who wanted to address shortcomings with handling substance abuse cases.

“It’s the most studied court system in the world, and it’s the most successful when you do it right,” said Reed. “We figure we’ve saved the county, give or take, $2 million since we started this program. Because everyone in our program is not in jail, are working and are contributing to society.”

At Belt’s graduation, Kosciusko County Community Corrections Director Barry Andrew congratulated Belt on his achievements.

“We’re super thankful for you and your hard work over the last 18 months, showing folks that this process is doable, that getting your life back is achievable,” said Andrew.

Andrew also read a letter to Belt from Case Manager Abby Rank.

“I’ve seen you grow in many ways,” said Rank. “Something I want you to remember is how well you did in helping others. Time and time again, I’ve seen you encourage others and give back what you’ve been given. This will be the core to your continued recovery.”

While in drug court, Belt became a father to a second child, re-connected with his first child, got his driver’s license back and purchased his own vehicle.

Belt has been sober since February 2023 and is employed in a supervisory position at his place of work.

Several of Belt’s family members and loved ones attended the graduation.

“He’s come a long way and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Gayle Wood, Belt’s mom. “And I want to thank all of you for helping him.”

Dollie Bumgardner, the mother of Belt’s infant son, Avan, said she met Belt shortly after he started the drug court program.

“I have seen tremendous progress out of him,” said Bumgardner. “He has not let any setbacks stop him and he is the most determined and selfless person I have ever met. He’s a great man and a great dad.”

Tabitha Gabbard, Belt’s therapist, also attended the graduation and commended Belt for all his hard work.

“Your persona draws people to you,” said Gabbard. “Don’t ever take that for granted. Understand that with that comes responsibility. Your willingness and desire to give back to other people will help you in your recovery journey.”

Several of the participants currently in the drug court program also congratulated Belt for graduating and said they were encouraged by Belt’s momentum to push forward.

“This has been a pretty tough journey for me,” said Belt at the ceremony. “I’m not labeled as somebody who’s not there for their kids anymore … a deadbeat … I’m a father. I’m a son, I’m a supervisor. I did everything I needed to make this journey work for me and it definitely wasn’t easy, but I did it and I’m pretty proud to be where I’m at. I can’t thank you guys enough for accepting me into this program so I can make a better life for myself.”