Pictured are the Kosciusko County Jail Chemical Addiction Program’s 16th graduating class alongside JCAP staff, facilitators, and previous graduates. InkFreeNews photo by Liz Shepherd.

By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Six men graduated from Kosciusko County’s Jail Chemical Addiction Program during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 23.

JCAP was launched in 2018 to address substance abuse issues suffered by many jail inmates and involves participation in classes covering areas such as physical fitness, spirituality, life skills, leadership and financial counseling.

Graduates from Kosciusko County’s 16th JCAP class were: Charles Zollinger, Matthew Gaddy, Randy Koth, Tyler Rex, Tyler Yeazel, and Drew Horn.

The graduates’ families, facilitators who taught the men during their time in JCAP, and previous JCAP graduates attended the ceremony.

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith said the group was a few weeks into JCAP when he had a lengthy conversation with the graduates after talking with some staff members about the class having a different demeanor from the 15th class.

“(The graduates) shared their stories with me…I left, went back to central control, and said, ‘There isn’t anything wrong with them,'” said Smith. “They are getting this as they should. I was very moved and inspired. You took that bet on yourself and I challenge you to continue that moving forward.”

JCAP Coordinator Casey Trombley encouraged the graduates to be “anchored in their recovery.”

“You have all of us here to support you,” said Trombley. “If you are struggling, reach out. If you are doing well, reach out. I’m proud of you guys and can’t wait to see what you do tomorrow.”

All six graduates focused their speeches on thanking those who provided them with mentoring, teaching and programming through JCAP.

“This helped me put words and answers to the voids I’ve always questioned in my life,” said JCAP Graduate Charles Zollinger. “Those voids are now filled with opportunities. I was given the knowledge to mend relationships and build ones that are worth actually having. That right there is worth more money than anybody could even make in a whole lifetime.”

JCAP Graduate Randy Koth thanked David Shadd, a JCAP 15 graduate, for encouraging him to apply to the program.

“I could tell with David that something was different and that inspired me to fill out an application,” said Koth. “And six months later, here I am, a graduate.”

During the ceremony, the graduates received certificates recognizing their completion of JCAP from Smith, Trombley, and KCSO Chief Deputy Chris McKeand. Yeazel also received his GED.

All of the graduates presented Trombley with a certificate of appreciation.

Kosciusko County’s 16th JCAP ceremony was live streamed and can be viewed on the KCSO Facebook page.