In recognition of May being National Treatment Court Month, participants in the Dunn County Adult Treatment Court joined community partners for a clean-up project that reinforced the importance of recovery through service.
Individuals, including Treatment Court participants, worked throughout May 14 removing trash and debris from abandoned encampments, sorting and hauling discarded materials, and cleaning surrounding public areas.
“This was our second clean-up project,” said Kayla Johnson, Dunn County Treatment Court Coordinator. “The idea really grew from a shared commitment between Project Hope’s Aaron Bergh and me to create meaningful opportunities for participants to give back while addressing real community needs.”
Project Hope, a law enforcement deflection and diversion program, helped identify areas that needed work, and organizers used the opportunity to not only improve the environment but also encourage personal growth among participants. This year, Roundtable Revival — a mentoring organization that supports formerly incarcerated individuals—joined the effort, providing additional peer support and guidance.
“Engaging in activities like this helps build responsibility, confidence, accountability, and a sense of purpose,” Johnson said. “It allows participants to reconnect with the community in a positive way. These events reinforce that recovery is not just about individual progress—it’s also about contributing to the well-being of others.”
The clean-up aligns with National Treatment Court Month, which highlights the impact of treatment court by addressing substance use and mental health challenges through accountability and support.
Fiicials say treatment courts nationwide offer an evidence-based alternative to incarceration, helping break cycles of addiction and crime while improving outcomes for individuals and communities by providing treatment services. In Wisconsin, 61 of 72 counties offer treatment court programs.
Dunn County’s program has served more than 167 individuals, with 79 graduates, and has a 53 percent completion rate, which exceeds the national average.
“Upon graduation, individuals successfully complete substance use treatment, are employed, have stable housing, and are connected to supportive recovery networks,” Johnson said. “Our hope is that they are provided with tools, resources and connections while in programing to use lifelong.”
Together, we are building a strong recovery community through compassion, accountability, and service. Together, we are building a safer and healthier community.
Picture 1: Some of the participants in the cleanup effort
Picture 2: Some of the trash collected
