LEBANON, Mo. — Laclede County Treatment Court marked another milestone Friday as a full courtroom of family, friends, church supporters, and past graduates gathered in Courtroom A to celebrate its newest graduating class. The graduates were Dylan, Kaye, Jessie, Becca, Donnie, and Valarie.
Judge Larry Winfrey, who presides over the program, reflected on the impact of treatment court. With nearly 23 years on the bench, he called the work of treatment and drug court “the most impactful and rewarding” of his career, noting that unlike traditional criminal proceedings, the program addresses the root causes of addiction rather than focusing solely on punishment.
“Our system often sets people up to fail once they’ve fallen into addiction,” Winfrey said. “Treatment court is different. It removes obstacles, holds people accountable, and gives them the tools and support to rebuild their lives.”
The program, which lasts 18 to 24 months, is built on three guiding principles: show up, try, and be honest. Winfrey emphasized that when participants commit to those values, the rest — sobriety, employment, and stability — follows.
Behind the bench stands a multidisciplinary team including prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, addiction specialists, and counselors. Together, they meet weekly to review cases and develop personalized plans for each participant. “This isn’t a ‘check the box’ program,” Winfrey explained. “It’s tough, it’s messy, and it requires honesty and perseverance. But the transformation we see is nothing short of amazing.”
The graduation ceremony highlighted not only the achievements of the participants but also the community support that makes the program possible. Winfrey praised local churches, employers, and organizations for stepping up whenever a participant needed help with jobs, housing, or other challenges. “Our community has never turned us down,” he said. “That’s why this program works.”
As the newest graduates begin the next chapter of their lives, the treatment court team reaffirmed their commitment to walking alongside participants, helping them build futures defined not by past struggles but by resilience and hope.
Stay in touch with Lebanon Now:
Facebook
Interactive Facebook Group
Instagram
TikTok
To report a breaking news story, email ryan@lebanonmonow.com or text 417-493-8141.
If your pictures or story are used, I will pay $25. Submissions must be exclusive to Lebanon Now and not posted by you elsewhere.