In September 2008, Clarence Justice Michael B. Powers created the Clarence Treatment Court. In doing so, Clarence joined a relatively small group of jurisdictions working to address the epidemic of drug addiction through the judicial system.

 

Since the Clarence Treatment Court’s creation, it has overseen the successful completion and graduation of well over 100 participants. Each participant is required to remain alcohol and substance free for at least one year, complete intensive counseling programs usually three times per week, attend two self-help meetings weekly, be employed full-time or enrolled in high school or college, or complete 25 hours of community service weekly. We are proud of our 90+% graduation rate and, based on available information, most of our graduates have remained free of criminal conduct and drug and alcohol abuse following graduation. However, the Treatment Court has lacked the resources to closely monitor our graduates, assist with their transition after graduation and collect comprehensive data about their continued sobriety or relapses in order to improve the effectiveness of our Treatment Court practices.

 

Recognizing this need, Judge Powers, his Treatment Court Coordinator, Carolyn Grisko, the Treatment Court Team and Mr. Kenneth Myszka, a concerned citizen and generous benefactor, started the Clarence Treatment Court Foundation, a 501C3 registered charity to provide the resources necessary to make these post-graduation efforts possible.

 

Due to the generosity of Mr. Myszka and the dedication of the volunteers who comprise the Treatment Court Foundation Board of Directors, Kathy Damon (President), Dennis Szymkowiak (Treasurer), and Lauren Kranz (Secretary), the Foundation will be able to fund these efforts and assist the Treatment Court and its graduates in many ways otherwise not possible. The Foundation looks forward to working with, and welcomes the support of, all members of the community in its important mission.

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Sincerely,