13th Judicial District Recovery Courts

08/30/2026

Alumni Meeting
Our guest speaker, Jesse Lanzilotta of Cumberland County, delivered an inspiring and informative message at our Recovery Courts Alumni Meeting. Jesse openly shared his life experiences and offered valuable knowledge, encouragement, and advice to everyone in attendance—including the children who attended alongside their parents, all of whom are Recovery Courts Participants and Alumnus.

This gathering was made even more special as we celebrated Jesse’s son, Skyler Lanzilotta, who successfully completed Recovery Court on August 20th along with Ronnie Allen. Ronnie Allen graciously donated several door prizes for the event. We are incredibly proud of Skyler and Ronnie and all that they have accomplished.

We are also grateful for Jesse’s continued support of Recovery Courts and his commitment to encouraging participants and their families. Having supportive family members and community advocates like Jesse makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those working toward recovery and a brighter future.

Thank You, Jesse, for being such a strong supporter of Recovery Courts!

And a special thank you to Volunteer Behavioral Health for allowing us to use your training room for this special event.

08/22/2026

Celebrating Recovery, Growth & New Beginnings!

This week was a meaningful celebration of graduations, program completions, awards, milestones, and family reunification in Recovery Court.

The Honorable Judge Shawn Fry presented awards to seven Recovery Court participants, recognizing their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to positive change. Among those honored:

● Two participants successfully completed the Recovery Court Program.
● Two participants graduated and entered the aftercare program.
● One participant successfully completed Phase III.
● Two participants received their 3-year sobriety coins.
● One participant was recognized as Participant of the Month.

One of the most inspiring parts of the celebration was the incredible amount of family support in attendance. The presence of loved ones made these accomplishments even more meaningful and served as a powerful reminder of the impact recovery has not only on individuals, but on entire families.

We are incredibly proud of each of these participants. Their hard work, dedication, courage, and commitment to changing their lives are truly worth celebrating.

Recovery Courts provide participants with comprehensive services and an abundance of support to help them maintain sobriety, improve their mental and physical well-being, make positive lifestyle changes, develop healthier attitudes and relationships with the justice system, become productive members of their communities, and, importantly, reunite with their families.

Recovery is possible. Change is possible. Families can heal. Lives can be rebuilt.

08/09/2026

SPOTLIGHT ON RECOVERY COURT ALUMNUS
Recovery Court Alumnus Josh Porter was proud and excited to have the right to vote in the August 6 Primary and General Election. Josh stated, “I have a voice today and I am trying to do the next right thing all of the time and voting is just another way for my voice to be heard. God has done so much for me and none of this would have been possible without Recovery Court giving me a chance. I thank God for this program. Drugs took my life away and Recovery Court helped me restore more than I ever had before.”

In Tennessee, restoring felony civil rights - such as voting rights requires completing your full sentence, paying off specific financial obligations, and clearing legal hurdles. Depending on the day and nature of the conviction, individuals must petition the court or obtain a pardon as certain violent crimes or major drug offenses permanently, restrict specific rights.

We are beyond proud of Josh and his determination to restore his civil rights.

08/01/2026

“ALUMNI MEETING”
Tennessee Tech Center for Addiction Prevention and Support in collaboration with the 13th Judicial District Recovery Courts presented Head and Heart in Recovery - Brain Science and Emotional Intelligence in Recovery from Substance Misuse and Addiction.
TTU CAPS Education Coordinator Matthew Silvey, JD, MSSW, LCSW, Lecturer, Dept. of Sociology and Political Science, did an amazing job educating the participants on brain science and emotional intelligence. The participants gained useful tools and helpful information to assist them in their recovery journey and to help them maintain long-term recovery. The Recovery Courts will continue this collaboration with TTU CAPS and Matt Silvey to provide further education opportunities for participants.

07/28/2026

A new program is helping individuals participating in the 13th Judicial Recovery Courts gain manufacturing training.

07/25/2026

This week, our Recovery Court and Veterans Treatment Court team was honored to have the opportunity to attend the All Rise RISE26 Conference in Nashville joining 8,000 treatment court professionals from across the country. The conference was Inspirational, informative, and provided hope.
All Rise provides the latest evidence-based best practices that strengthen our ability to help participants achieve lasting recovery while improving community safety and reducing recidivism.
Lead. Uplift. Empower. Transform.

07/12/2026

The 13th Judicial District Recovery Courts is the first treatment program to partner with the Upper Cumberland Workforce Development Board to provide the opportunity for participants to earn their Manufacturing Certification. Until now the program was only offered in correctional facilities. Nationally recognized Manufacturing Certification is a credential validating expertise in operational excellence, industrial safety, production efficiency, and employment empowerment. The curriculum consists of 26 instructional sessions and a comprehensive final exam. Two Veterans Treatment Court participants and Seven Recovery Court participants volunteered for the program. All nine participants received their Manufacture Certification. We are extremely proud of their efforts and this important achievement. We extend our gratitude to Stacey Baxter for introducing the program to Recovery Courts.

07/11/2026

PARTICIPANT OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Mary Lane who was chosen for July Participant of the Month. Mary has remained strong in her recovery. She continues to accomplish her life goals. Mary has been an inspiration with her continued service work. Mary helps others and gives back to the community. Mary provides guidance to the other Recovery Court participants.
We are proud of Mary and her accomplishments.

07/11/2026

This week the Honorable Judge Gary McKenzie along with the Honorable Judge Shawn Fry, the District Public Defender Craig Fickling and the Recovery Courts Staff presented several awards to participants for their accomplishments. Six participants received awards for their achievements: United States Navy Veteran Leslie Suns graduated Veterans Treatment Court, Eric Swafford graduated Recovery Court, Robin Perdue completed Phase III of the Recovery Court and received a 2-year sobriety coin, Justin Smith completed Phase I of the Recovery Court and received a 1-year sobriety coin, Jessica Montgomery completed Phase II of the Recovery Court and Kenny Kilby received a 2-year sobriety coin. Judge McKenzie presented an inspirational message and spoke on how the Recovery Court Program can be a life changing experience if you remain committed. Judge McKenzie emphasized the significance of celebrating sobriety dates. Sobriety dates are an important milestone. All participants are invested and dedicated to improving their life. We are so proud of all the participants for their hard work and commitment to their recovery.

07/04/2026