“Hey Candi, do you have any written rules for these softball games,” I shouted to Candi Crofts, Coordinator/ Case Manager for Recovery Court, “Well, nothing written.” Another answer that was thrown out was, “Sometimes it resembles T-Ball with some softball thrown in.” That is really the way the Cops vs Recovery Team ball game works. It is a get-together to enjoy new friendships and spend a few hours having fun.
According to Rob Van Dyke, Kane County Attorney, Recovery Court began in 2012. He explained, “In 2011 Kane County experienced several drug overdoses.” The impact on our community was significant and our County Commissioners at that time took notice. Commissioner Dirk Clayson had heard of a program for substance abuse which was gaining popularity. Dirk engaged Bridget Mackey to write the grants. She applied for and was awarded a grant by Utah State Courts, the team also included Treatment Providers, Southern Utah Behavioral Health and Kane County Sheriff’s Office.
“Law enforcement is a key component, they have to be on board,” Van Dyke commented. I was curious about the national recidivism of Recovery Court Graduates. “Those who are sentenced to prison without access to a program like ours have an 80-90 percent recidivism rate within 3-5 years after release. Nationally states with drug recovery programs see 60 percent or less of returning individuals. Kane County’s recidivism is at approximately 30 percent.” Van Dyke went on to explain why this program works. “The first, program models were based on passing skills to be able to graduate, kind of pushing individuals through quickly. Now we have skills that take time, and dedication. Now we have created a community who cares.”
Crofts especially wanted to add, “Without the continued support of the Sherriff’s Office, Marv Hoyt, Recovery Tracker, our community and employers believing in our program we wouldn’t have the success we have.” It is also important to credit the program participants with their commitment to taking pride in their own successes.
This is the second game I have attended and it’s just fun. One of the players’ sons made a base hit, almost. Then there was the call, “He’s out, no he’s safe, no he’s out.” I guess through some unknown communication it must have been “he’s out,” because the outfielders walked back to their dugout. Some other comments were, “If they win, the game is rigged.” Or sideline instructions “Hold the bat like this,” “use the green bat” was also heard to help some team members.
It was a fun competition. The final score was 13-8 (I think) with the Recovery Team taking bragging rights for 2024. The event culminated with barbequed hamburgers, hot dogs and cookies. And the analogy of TBall is close, it’s just an adult version.
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