Jefferson County, Arkansas – Twelve men and women completed an addiction recovery program at the W.C. “Dub” Brassell Adult Detention Center, marking another graduating class for an initiative that began more than five years ago.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the 16th Exodus.Life Academy class on Friday, October 16. The ceremony recognized participants’ work during the 10-week program and the steps they are taking to prepare for life beyond detention.
For graduate Billy Moore, completing the academy meant gaining a clearer understanding of himself and the choices ahead.
“Everyone has their own story, their own struggles and their own reasons for being here,” said Billy Moore, one of the program graduates. “I hope we all leave knowing that our past does not have to define our future. Today, I leave this class with a better understanding of myself and the commitment to keep growing. I may not have everything figured out, but I know that every day gives me another opportunity to make better choices.”
The program launched in February 2021 and held its first graduation that April. The Sheriff’s Office described the initiative as the first of its kind in Arkansas. Since its launch, 343 people have participated and 280 have graduated.
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“These milestones represent individuals taking meaningful steps toward recovery, personal responsibility, and a successful return to their families and communities,” said Myra Woolfolk, Exodus.Life executive director.
The academy brings several forms of assistance into one program. According to Woolfolk, it “combines substance use education and counseling, cognitive behavioral skill development, recovery groups, case management and reentry preparation” for participants seeking help.
Residential Substance Abuse Treatment funding supports the initiative. Peer recovery support is central to its approach, connecting participants with people who can draw on their own recovery experiences.
“Peer specialists draw on their lived experience of recovery to build trust, offer encouragement, model healthy choices, and help participants develop practical recovery plans,” said Woolfolk. “Through individual support and group engagement, peers help participants strengthen coping skills, identify recovery resources, and prepare to maintain connections to support after release.”
That preparation extends beyond completing the course. Participants work on coping skills and recovery plans while identifying resources and relationships that can support them when they return to the community.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. encouraged graduates to view the occasion as a turning point. He also emphasized what their progress could mean for the relatives and friends supporting them.
“I know the path that has led you to this point has not been easy,” said Woods. “In many ways, it’s been an uphill battle, good days and bad days. But the fact that you’re here this afternoon is testament to the strength that defines every individual who enters this program; dedicating yourself to transformative change and summoning the courage and resolve to start down the road to recovery and sobriety.”
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Woods discussed the consequences substance abuse can have for detainees and their families, including repeated involvement with the criminal justice system. He urged the graduates to continue building on the changes they had begun.
“I’ve seen people get out of jail and prison only to return in court and find themselves once again behind bars for repeat offenses,” he said. “That will not be you. The individuals in this room are demonstrating that it’s possible to change the narrative.”
Exodus.Life is also preparing to broaden the assistance available inside the detention center. Through State Crisis Intervention Program funding, the organization plans to add licensed mental health clinicians and graduate interns.
The expansion is intended to provide more individualized services, strengthening the academy’s ability to address mental health concerns alongside substance use and preparation for release. Staff training will accompany those additional services.
“SCIP funding will also provide training to all Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office staff, strengthening their ability to recognize and respond to behavioral health needs and support the expanded services within the facility,” said Woolfolk. “Together, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Exodus.Life continue to create opportunities for recovery, restored relationships, and lasting change.”
