LAWRENCEBURG, Ind., MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022 – A “huge percentage” of crimes committed in Dearborn County are directly related to chemical dependency, and in an effort to help mitigate the menace Dearborn Community Foundation Board Member Mike Hollenbeck recommended a $1,000 Proactive Grant.

In a continuing effort to make an impact in the Dearborn County community, DCF is awarding 15 proactive grants of $1,000 each throughout 2022 to charitable organizations that serve Dearborn County residents. Each of the Foundation’s 15 volunteer board members recommends a grant. The money comes from the Foundation’s Unrestricted Endowment Funds, established by donors to provide flexibility to address changing needs in the community over the years.

Jail Chemical Addiction Program is a jail-based cognitive-behavioral, evidence-based treatment program for the chemically dependent incarcerated population. 

“This grant is for workbooks and supplies for JCAP. Dearborn County Court Services is the conduit for these funds to make their way to that program,” said Hollenbeck, an attorney.

Since established 15 years ago, JCAP has helped hundreds of individuals understand the mechanism of their trauma and addiction, escape the cycle of relapse and criminal recidivism, and become whole and contributing members of society, he said.

“Because chemically dependent individuals are judged for the behavior that resulted in arrest, society often fails to consider the enormous pain they are suffering, including guilt, shame, worthlessness, and despair,” said Hollenbeck. “JCAP is about rescuing those souls and restoring dignity and meaning to their lives. In so doing, it also greatly benefits their families, employers, and their community as a whole. The grant will provide needed clinical treatment materials to sustain the vital program for the continued betterment of the community and its members.”

Chief Probation Officer Steve Kelly heads a unified court service to serve Dearborn more effectively and efficiently, as well as Ohio and Switzerland counties. Each department plays an integral role rehabilitating offenders with the goal of promoting community service. “We shall provide community safety by reducing repetitive criminal behavior through evidence-based practices,” is the department’s mission statement.  

Anyone can contribute to an unrestricted endowment at DCF and help make impact grants like the 15 DCF Board members are recommending in 2022. For a list of the unrestricted endowments and to learn more about the Foundation, call 812-539-4115 or visit the Foundation website at dearborncf.org. If you are interested in contributing to DCF, visit the website’s “Give Now” page to donate online and to learn about other giving options.