Among the many contributions businesses make to our community, 35 employers were honored Wednesday for helping people in recovery.
"Part of recovery is having a stable, self-respecting place to live, and having a purpose in your community - and having a job," said Brenda Schell, director of the Missouri Recovery Network.
She made her remarks at a ceremony following a session of Cole County's drug court.
Addiction has been referred to as a disease of mind, body and soul; it is associated with withdrawal, isolation and unreliable behavior.
Recovery is a process of regaining self-worth, restoring healthy attitudes and behaviors and reconnecting with family, friends and co-workers.
John, a recent drug court graduate, said the program "really just did a profound thing on my well-being, on my life, the decisions that I make these days."
Another recent graduate, Alexandra, said: "I was able to get my GED, which I never thought I'd be able to do. And, I'm actually enrolled in college full time, which I applied for while I was still in drug court."
Cynics might contend these types of comments are nothing more than efforts by addicts to continue manipulating the system. Drug court, admittedly, doesn't work for everyone, but follow-up statistics show it does work for people who want to change their lives.
Recovery from addiction isn't easy, which is why the drug court program is rigorous.
Presiding Circuit Judge Pat Joyce, who oversees the program, said components include: separate weekly sessions with the judge and a probation officer; treatment twice weekly with professional therapists in both group and individual therapy sessions; regular drug testing; and community service.
Schell said the businesses that have made a commitment to hire drug court participants are making a difference. "I don't think they (the companies) realize how important they are in the process of recovery."
We agree.
In addition to providing jobs, these employers provide structure, shared goals and opportunities for advancement.
Those are meaningful steps in the journey of recovery.