“Public safety extends beyond party lines and has the best interest of every Tennessean in mind,” said Gov. Bill Lee.

According to The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS), Governor Bill Lee’s FY20 budget proposal includes $4.7 million to increase access to recovery courts, supplement recovery court programming with Medication Assisted Treatment, and create a new residential recovery court for women. With $1.7 million in additional funding, recovery courts will expand capacity by 20 percent and serve an additional 500 Tennesseans each year.

Gov. Lee recognizes the importance of the life-changing services provided by recovery courts and how they continue to help communities statewide, including our very own. Through Families Free’s work with the First Judicial District Felony Recovery Court, we give our clients access to the structure and treatment they need to establish a life in recovery. This then provides clients with a renewed connection with their family, community and their own innate abilities and strengths.

Rachel Roden, our First Judicial District Felony Recovery Court Coordinator, was profiled by TDMHSAS. Rachel shared her experience with our clients in recovery court, as well as the effect our programs have on the community.

The hard work that is displayed by our recovery court team, and the diligence of our clients, has on an impact that extends beyond Families Free. The positive effects will continue to reverberate throughout the region and for generations to come. #LoveRestores