Third Judicial District Felony Recovery Court Awarded $2 Million Federal Grant
October 2023 Recovery Court graduates pictured with Judge Boniface (front row, left)and Case Manager, David Georges (back row, right).
The Third Judicial District Felony Recovery Court has received a transformative federal grant of nearly $2 million from the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Distributed over five years, the funds will support participants in Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, and Hawkins counties, allowing the court to significantly expand its services and reach.“This grant is a game changer for our program,” shared Judge Beth Boniface, emphasizing the reduced financial strain on local counties. The funding will enhance case management, behavioral health services, and individual counseling. Judge Boniface noted that the grant will enable the court to hire two additional case managers, doubling the team, and bring on a dedicated data entry specialist to streamline operations.Since its inception in December 2020, the Felony Recovery Court has been a vital resource for those struggling with substance use disorders. Initially funded by state grants and Hamblen County Government contributions, the program has steadily grown. Judge Boniface lauded Hamblen County for its exceptional support, which has paved the way for this federal assistance.Hamblen County Mayor Chris Cutshaw celebrated the grant’s impact, calling it “a great and wonderful victory” that will restore balance and stability to families and individuals in the region.The recovery court currently operates three sober living homes in Hamblen County and serves 55 participants. With the new funding, the program will expand to support up to 200 participants, dramatically increasing its community impact.Judge Boniface also aims to use the grant’s support to reallocate 501(c)(3) funds toward building additional sober living homes. “Our vision is to keep getting bigger and better to help more people,” she said, underscoring the program’s life-changing outcomes such as reunified families, educational achievements, and job placements.This federal grant marks a pivotal step in the recovery court’s mission to help individuals regain control of their lives and become productive members of their communities.
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