Bridget Bauer

Recovery outreach community centers (ROCCs) offer a stigma-free, supportive environment led by certified peer specialists—people who have personally experienced substance abuse and recovery. These specialists provide guidance, early intervention, and help overcome barriers that often cause relapse, making recovery more achievable. Their lived experience, specialized training, and trust-building abilities complement traditional treatment, extending care and improving long-term recovery outcomes.

Teddy Steen’s long-held dream of a Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC) is coming closer to reality, aiming to provide a safe, peer-run space for people with substance use disorders and anyone seeking self-sufficiency. With recent funding and community support, Steen and substance abuse counselor Renita Kitchingham are collaborating to present plans to the city for a dedicated facility. Their shared vision focuses on safety, structure, and offering multiple pathways to long-term recovery.

Recovery Community Centers (RCCs) provide vital peer-operated support for individuals maintaining long-term addiction recovery by offering resources, social activities, and connections to services beyond treatment. They help recovering individuals build a supportive community and foster sober living, addressing the challenge of reintegration after formal treatment. RCCs are increasingly recognized as essential in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Jasper County’s court and jail facilities are outdated, overcrowded, and unsafe due to a 700% increase in court cases since 1975. Proposition 1, on the April 2, 2019 ballot, proposes extending an existing sales tax to fund critical facility expansions without raising taxes. Officials stress this is essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term justice system sustainability.

Moving ASCENT’s Rhinestones and Rawhide to December added a festive touch and resulted in one of the organization’s best fundraisers yet. With heartfelt stories, a Christmas concert by The Goulds, and strong community support, the event celebrated the success of alumni who’ve turned their lives around. ASCENT’s mission continues to inspire as it helps men and women build meaningful, sober futures.

Missouri has expanded drug treatment courts statewide to improve access, especially in rural areas, with Jasper County’s courts reducing recidivism by half compared to traditional incarceration. These courts offer structured, community-based treatment for high-risk felony offenders, helping them reintegrate while addressing substance use and mental health issues. The program’s success relies on collaboration among courts, treatment providers, and community resources.