It is not unusual for softball games to be held at Kennedy Park on the east end of Marion.
But the contest held there on September 16 had people participating for reasons beyond just plain old competition and recreation. The game pitted members of the Marion Municipal Court Probation Department against people who are working hard to turn their lives around after struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
The probation team vs. recovery team softball game is part of support for graduates of Marion Municipal Court’s specialized documentation programs, including drug court, veterans treatment court, mental health court, and others in the community who are in recovery. be.
eliminate prejudice
“Our goal is that courts just want to put people in prison, and only want to bring out the worst in people,” said Lindsey Cochran, a Marion Municipal Court probation officer and one of the organizers of the outreach. “It’s about getting rid of the stigma of not seeing it.” “We want to show that we support their recovery and we want to see them get well. Marion doesn’t have a lot of games to choose from right now, so these games are a great way for them to It gives me another positive social outlet in my life.” ”
Outreach using softball as a magnet was started by counselors at the Marion Regional Counseling Center about 10 years ago. The game initially had about 30 participants, but it soon grew to a group of 100 participants who enjoyed interacting with other people in recovery and probation officers.
More than 30 people played in a recent game at Kennedy Park. Team Probation held off a late comeback by Team Recovery and won a close game 12-10.
An important part of the recovery process
Jeff Hill works at First Step Recovery Center in Marion and is a graduate of the drug court program. He said softball games are a valuable asset to recovery and he remains deeply involved in the effort as an organizer.
“I started playing in these games while I was in treatment and it really helped my recovery,” Hill said. “Since I’ve been in this game, I’ve learned that (the court’s probation department) really cares about people and wants to see us get better. , it’s good to meet new people. It’s a relaxed atmosphere where people can come and have a good time. Have a good time and find support. ”
Tim Tucker, a Marion Municipal Court probation officer and co-organizer of the outreach program, said the initiative is yielding positive results for those who choose to participate.
“I think this year has been the best we’ve ever had,” Tucker said. “Some people don’t like us because we’re law enforcement, but thankfully Jeff stands by us and advocates for people to get involved in this work. “I know there were some people who didn’t have it or didn’t finish their probation. “They even had probation, but after coming to these games they started getting probation. Some have finished. Jeff is a big part of that.”
Tucker said the sports outreach will expand over the coming winter months with the addition of volleyball and possibly pickleball games at the Excel Sports Academy on North Main Street in Marion. He said he was deaf. The first volleyball match is scheduled for December 9th. He said he played Wiffle ball earlier this year.
Mr Hill said the relief effort relies on donations from local residents and businesses to purchase gaming equipment. He said anyone interested in supporting the program can contact him at 740-244-3778 or by email at [email protected].
Email: [email protected]
