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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER — Finishing a jail chemical addiction program is “a new beginning” for those battling substance dependency, said Jordan Jackson.

Jackson, along with Michael Meeks, graduated from the Fulton County Jail Chemical Addiction Program Friday, Oct. 4, at the jail.

The two men were members of the second male JCAP class and third overall graduating class since the program started in the county last year.

JCAP, which exists in other counties in Indiana, allows inmates who volunteer to join it to address their chemical addictions while taking life skills classes, with service providers helping with both.

Meeks and Jordan addressed the audience of family, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office staff and service providers during the graduation ceremony.

Meeks thanked several people, including Warsaw Adult Education teacher Barry Sisson, who helped him and Jackson earn their high school equivalencies during their time in JCAP.

He also thanked Fulton County JCAP Coordinators Hector and Debbie Fernandez and the jail staff and service providers.

“I know I surprised a lot of you guys and I even surprised myself, but deep down, I knew I wanted to change my life not only for myself, but for my firstborn child that’s on its way,” said Meeks.

“I’m so grateful for this program and everything I’ve learned,” he added. “I can’t wait to prove to everybody that I am a changed man and I will succeed in life.”

Jackson said he was “grateful and honored that I was accepted and chosen to be in JCAP.

“It has really made me look at life in a completely new way, especially since before I was accepted into this program, I was kind of lost. I was always in my head thinking everyone was out to get me and that nobody wanted to help me,” he said.

“Ever since I started all these different classes, I am no longer in denial, and I know now that there truly are people in this world that want the best for me,” Jackson continued. “All they want is to see me succeed and do right by my family.

“This program is making me a more honest and loving person. It’s making me realize that you can do anything that you put your mind to,” said Jackson.

He thanked others that helped him in the program.

“Ever since I started this program, I’ve been able to feel our Holy Spirit in my presence, and He’s helping guide my every step through this program and helping me learn how to do right in this world and do right by my family and friends,” said Jackson.

“I’ve gotten into the Bible so much more since being put into this program, and it’s making me understand the word of Jesus so much easier than before,” he said. “I know now that in order to succeed I have to let go of my past and look at only how bright my future is.”

Sisson later presented the men with their diplomas, and they turned their tassels.

Meeks donned honor cords as he achieved a high score on one of the HSE tests.

At the beginning of the ceremony, a moment of silence was held for Fulton County Jail Matron Jodi Miller who passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 16.