Staff report
Rowan’s Criminal Justice Partnership Program ó Alternatives Counseling Inc. ó received the Program of Excellence Award from the Division of Community Corrections (Division 3).
Four programs from across the state were recognized and honored in Raleigh at a September meeting.
The Criminal Justice Partnership Program operates in 94 counties to serve adult probationers in need of intensive substance abuse treatment.
The Division of Community Corrections provides services to high need probationers. Alternatives Counseling Inc. was recognized as a program of excellence based on its level and intensity of services and collaborative efforts with the local probation staff and other judicial officials.
Alternatives Counseling, Inc. is co-owned and operated by Bonnie Harrell and Beckie DeMary.
The local Criminal Justice Partnership advisory board includes Judge Charlie Brown, District Attorney Bill Kenerly and head of Rowan County probation Rose Cox.
Brown and Kenerly have been supportive of this program for several years, recognizing that the efforts provide an effective and needed service, a news release about the recognition said.
The program also reduces recidivism, the statement said, “thus protecting the citizens of Rowan.”