SWEETWATER COUNTY — Three Sweetwater County treatment court participants briefly shared with the community how the program has changed their lives for the better.

During a recent Rock Springs City Council meeting, the Treatment Court of Sweetwater County gave the Council an update.

Last year the treatment court, which is a nonprofit, court-supervised program, served 29 residents, Director Augusta Clayton-Davis said.

During the 12 to 18-month long program, a team works with the clients to provide them with skills and treatment they need in order for them to become productive members of society.

According to Clayton-Davis, 10 graduated from the program, 10 obtained their driver’s license, four obtained their GED’s, and three enrolled in college courses.

During the meeting, three treatment court participants briefly shared what treatment court meant to them and what impact it had on their lives.

Chris Robertson said he grew up in Texas, was on his own from a very early age, and was involved in gang activity. He said he never really had guidance in his life until he participated in the program.

Robertson said since he’s been in treatment court he’s obtained his GED, paid off many debts, and has improved his parenting skills.

“I’ve accomplished a lot since I’ve been in treatment court,” Robertson said.

“Without them, I really don’t know where I’d be at today; probably behind bars,” he said.

Kiesha Martinez said she graduated drug court more than one year ago and obtained her associate’s degree and helped her learn she had a skill set.

“When I came to drug court I was a mess,” Martinez said. “They offer you a support that I never felt from the community before.”

She went through treatment programs and counseling.

“I’ve struggled with addiction for over 20 years; meth addiction. And I (am) four years clean now. I owe a lot of that to them,” she said.

“For me, treatment court really changed my life,” Fawn Vessels said. “I did things that I never thought I could do.”

She obtained her driver’s license, owns her own house, spends time with her children, and has a job. She graduated from the program in December and is still receiving advice from them.

Rock Springs Mayor Tim Kaumo said the city has been supporting the treatment court and seeing its benefits for years. He encouraged them to keep up the good work and stay strong.

Mayor Kaumo said based on the current number in the program, the state will save a projected $900,000 one year after the participants’ graduation, a projected $3 million three years after graduation and a projected $10 million after 10 years after graduation. He said it’s apparent the savings is from residents being responsible and doing the right things, which saves taxpayers money.

Mayor Kaumo said he can remember when drug courts were first getting started there was a reluctance because people didn’t think they would be successful and many felt they wouldn’t save the county or state any money.

“You proved that wrong. It is worth every dollar that we spend,” Mayor Kaumo said.