On Friday, June 6, 2025, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle joined the “meal train” initiative, providing lunch for participants of the Clark County/City of Vancouver’s Community Court. Pictured above are Kevin McClure from the Vancouver City Attorney’s Office, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, and Commissioner Erin Priest of Clark County District Court.
The court is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the City of Vancouver and Clark County. To further this effort, Sue Ondik of the Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (as a private nonprofit) has organized a “meal train” sign-up, allowing community members to donate lunches or other food items to be distributed during Community Court sessions to its participants- many of whom face housing insecurity and have limited access to meals, which has made these contributions especially meaningful.
Therapeutic court graduates and participants attend the Washington State Therapeutic Court Alumni Association (WSTCAA) Celebration in Richland on May 24, 2025.
Reflections on the event from WSTCAA President, Joe Barsana:
“We had strong representation from across the state, including participants and alumni from Benton, Franklin, Spokane, Kitsap, Pierce, King, Grays Harbor, Yakima, Mason, and Lewis Counties. The location was absolutely beautiful, as our conference room sat on the beautiful boardwalk of the Colombia River.
One of the highlights of the event was presenting Annie Chau with the first-ever WSTCAA Empowerment Award. She was nominated by dozens of Benton County therapeutic court participants and alumni for her tireless dedication and advocacy. It was an honor to recognize her invaluable impact on the Benton County recovery community. She had us all crying during her speech!
WSADCP Board Member and Benton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Annie Chau, and some human and canine supporters!
We also gave a loud and heartfelt shout-out to Terree Schmidt-Whelan and Pierce County Alliance! Their generous sponsorship helped make this gathering possible, and we remain deeply grateful for their support.
The event featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including:
Annie Chau, WSADCP Board Member 😊 and Benton County Therapeutic Court prosecutor.
Dr. Alyssa Pearce, who recently launched Benton and Franklin Counties new Therapeutic Court program and is preparing to celebrate their first graduate.
Oswaldo Herrera, a Yakima County alumni with a powerful story of growing up in Yakima and finding recovery after a lifetime of addiction and crime.
Jason Bliss, the Executive Director of the Washington Association of Quality Recovery Residences, who has been instrumental in housing therapeutic court participants across Washington State.
Oswaldo Herrera, a Yakima County Alumni who now works as a Substance Use Disorder Professional (SUDP) on the Benton County Recovery Court team.
We were also honored by a visit from Richland Mayor Theresa Richardson, who took time to speak directly with several current Benton County participants about their experiences in the program.
City of Richland Mayor, Theresa Richardson (second from left), celebrates with WSTCAA Board Members (L-R) Tonia McClanahan, Joe Barsana, and Darryl Coleman.
This was a meaningful and inspiring event, and we are so grateful for the support that made it all possible. Thank you again to everyone who has supported the WSTCAA. We look forward to the next special celebration!”
Members of WSADCP Gather in Kennewick at the 1st WA Deflection and Diversion Summit with Partners from the WA State Therapeutic Court Alumni Association & Administrative Office of the Courts. (May 23, 2025)
WSADCP Board Member, Tanya Sturm, presents (along with WSADCP Board President, Christina Mason), on Therapeutic Courts as an Effective Part of the Community Deflection & Diversion Continuum. (May 23, 2025)
WSADCP Board Member & WSTCAA President, Joe Barsana, presents along with WSTCAA Board Member, Darryl Coleman, on Incorporating Peers and Alumni into Court Services. (May 23, 2025)
Watch the Spokane County Board of Commissioners Therapeutic Court Month proclamation here.
Photo credit above: Charissa Suhr
“Judges from Spokane’s therapeutic courts spoke passionately about the transformative power of these programs. Judge Shelley Zamplin emphasized the ripple effects of success stories, noting how graduates often become positive role models in their communities. One graduate shared a poignant reflection on his journey through the DUI court, illustrating the profound personal changes facilitated by the program. The meeting also featured remarks from County Clerk Tim Fitzhroud, who highlighted the impressive recidivism rates of Spokane’s Veterans Court, which stands at just 5.7%, compared to the national average of 72-75%. He noted that many participants credit the program with saving their lives, underscoring the critical role of therapeutic courts in fostering recovery and community reintegration.” (From Citizen Portal AI Scribe). Read More about the event.
Learn about Mental Health America’sGo Green Campaign for Mental Health Awareness.
Spokane County’s Behavioral Health Adult Felony Therapeutic Courts were among the first in the nation. Read about them HERE.
