JCAP stands for ‘new beginning’ for those struggling with addiction – InkFreeNews.com

Text, photos and video
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

ROCHESTER – Ending a chemical addiction program in prison is “a new beginning” for those struggling with substance dependence, Jordan Jackson said.

Jackson, along with Michael Meeks, graduated from the Fulton County Jail’s Chemical Addiction Program on Friday, Oct. 4 at the jail.

Both men were members of JCAP’s second men’s class and third overall class since the program began in the county last year.

JCAP, which exists in other Indiana counties, allows inmates who volunteer to join to address their chemical addictions while taking life skills classes, with service providers helping with both .

Meeks and Jordan addressed the audience of family, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office personnel and service providers during the graduation ceremony.

Meeks thanked several people, including Warsaw Adult Education teacher Barry Sisson, who helped him and Jackson earn their high school equivalencies during their time at JCAP.

He also thanked Fulton County JCAP Coordinators Hector and Debbie Fernandez, and jail staff and service providers.

“I know I surprised a lot of you and even surprised myself, but deep down, I knew I wanted to change my life not only for myself, but also for my first born son who is on the way” , Meeks said.

“I’m so grateful for this program and everything I’ve learned,” she added. “I can’t wait to show everyone that I am a changed man and that I will succeed in life.”

Jackson said he was “grateful and honored to have been accepted and chosen to be a part of JCAP.

“It’s really made me look at life in a whole new way, especially because before I was accepted into this show, I was kind of lost. I was always in my head thinking that everyone was out to get me and that no one wanted me help,” he said.

“Since I started all these different classes, I’m not in denial anymore, and now I know that there really are people in this world who want the best for me,” Jackson continued. “All they want is to see me succeed and do well for my family.

“This show is making me a more honest and loving person. It’s making me realize that you can do anything you set your mind to,” Jackson said.

He thanked others who helped him in the program.

“Since I started this program, I have been able to feel our Holy Spirit in my presence, and He is helping to guide my every step through this program and helping me learn to do good in this world and to do well by my family and friends,” Jackson said.

“I’ve gotten a lot deeper into the Bible since I joined this program, and it’s making it a lot easier for me to understand the word of Jesus than before,” he said. “Now I know that to be successful I have to let go of my past and look only at how bright my future is.”

Later, Sisson presented the men with their diplomas, and they turned their tassels.

Meeks wore honor cords when he achieved a high score in one of the HSE tests.

At the start of the ceremony, a moment of silence was held for Fulton County Jail matron Jodi Miller, who died unexpectedly on September 16.