25-04-2025
Sullivan County celebrates four Recovery Court graduates
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Four graduates were recognized on Thursday for completing the Sullivan County Felony Recovery Court Program.
The Felony Recovery Court program is a treatment-focused program for individuals with non-violent offenses who struggle with substance use disorders.
The program places a strong emphasis on accountability and responsibility as essential elements of the recovery process. Graduates underwent intensive outpatient treatments, completed community service and paid off all fines.
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Judge Jim Goodwin presented certificates to the four graduates who completed the 18-24 month-long program. He said the program makes a difference in Sullivan County families.
'[It] gets people out of the jail,' Goodwin said. 'It gets them back on track. It keeps folks out of prison. We've had participants who didn't have their children, who got their children back. Some folks [who] have jobs for the first time in their life. So they go from committing crime and being in the throes of addiction to leading productive, taxpaying lives.'
Goodwin expressed pride in the graduates, many of whom entered the program without prior guidance, structure, or a supportive person to acknowledge their recovery efforts.
'Incredibly proud. Incredibly proud,' he said. 'And I tell them this all the time, because a lot of these folks have never had an adult one or a person of authority actually say, 'hey, you're doing a great job. I'm proud of you. You know, keep up the good work.' It means a lot.'
To learn more about Sullivan County's Recovery Court Program, visit
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