Springfield, OR – The City of Springfield invites media to attend a powerful moment of transformation and community achievement: the first graduation ceremony of the Springfield Municipal Adult Recovery and Treatment (SMART) Court. The event celebrates two individuals who have completed the rigorous, year-long program, marking a significant step in their recovery journey and showcasing a model of restorative justice in action.
Event Details:
📅 Thursday, April 24, 2025
🕒 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
📍 Springfield Justice Center, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), 230 4th St., Springfield, OR
Media Interviews Available:
- Mayor Sean VanGordon
- Councilor Michelle Weber
- Program Counselors and Peer Support Staff
- Graduates (with consent)
- SMART Court Coordinators
- Officer Cardwell (statement on behalf of Interim Chief Resch)
Run of Show Highlights:
- 3:00 p.m. – Opening remarks by Judge Tierney
- 3:05 p.m. – Remarks from Mayor VanGordon
- 3:10 p.m. -Graduate bios, certificate presentation, and personal statements
- 3:30 p.m. – Formal dismissal and media availability
About SMART Court
Launched in 2024 and supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Justice and Oregon Department of Transportation, SMART Court is a supervised, voluntary recovery and treatment program. Participants must meet strict requirements over at least 12 months, including treatment completion, employment or education benchmarks, restitution, and a 40-hour “Give-Back” community service project.
The program provides access to peer mentors, sober housing, mental health care, and wraparound services in collaboration with Lane County Parole and Probation. To date, the court has screened over 80 individuals and enrolled 40. As of April 2025, 31 active participants are working toward successful graduation.
This is more than a ceremony, it’s proof of the transformational power of recovery and collaboration.
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About the City of Springfield:
The City of Springfield is dedicated to providing high-quality services for its community members, fostering a safe and vibrant city, and preserving its rich heritage. Through innovative initiatives and strong partnerships, Springfield strives to enhance the quality of life for everyone who calls it home.
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