CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
WRITTEN BY MATTHEW ESTES
OPELIKA —
On Friday, Sept. 23, seven participants from the Opelika Day Reporting Center Lite graduated from the program, celebrated by a commencement ceremony at Southern Union State Community College.
After a processional, Opelika DRC Lite Administrator Robert Pritchett and DRC Lite District Manager Chris Causey acknowledged all guests for coming to support the graduates and thanked community partners.
A highlight of the event was a testimony from Gregory Nelms, a participant in the program who found success and a desire to make positive life choices. Jeffery Smith, another participant, also spoke briefly to express his gratitude for the support of attending guests.
“The DRC Lite program is a life-changer,” Causey said.
The keynote speaker, Assistant Director for Field Operations Stacey Brown, delivered a direct message of encouragement, emphasizing the need for continued positive choices after concluding the program.
“I am blessed to be a part of the bureau’s vision to transform lives through Day Reporting Centers,” said Pritchett, who was awarded a certificate of appreciation from Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) Director Cam Ward for leadership and dedication. Ward also expressed his gratitude for the employees who dedicate themselves to the success of the DRC programs.
The bureau said it acknowledges with gratitude Southern Union State Community College, along with all community partners, for their involvement in the DRC Lite program and this event. ABPP also thanks special guest Associate Board Member Darryl Littleton for attending the event.
DRCs provide counseling, educational training and supervision for probationers and parolees. With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health and cognitive restructuring needs, DRC staff is committed to reducing recidivism rates and improving public safety through behavior change. Currently, full Day Reporting Centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs offering similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.