Reconnecting With Others

Last week, team members from the Drug Treatment Court and Reconnecting Families attended a state wide drug conference at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Team members were offered different breakout sessions during each day of the three-day long event. Each session dealt with different aspects of the Drug Court and discussed how to improve different components of the drug court, new innovations and ways that different county systems operate.


Reconnecting Families along with members of the Cobb County Drug Court conducted a breakout session on Thursday, June 2. The session called, "How to Access and Use Free Community Resources," explained to audience members the mission, functions, and use of free resources that the program uses and how the program is able receive these donations and partnerships.

The presentation was given by the Reconnecting Families executive director, Brin Black, community volunteer- Carrie Kennedy, chairman of the board of directors- Justin O'Dell,  presiding Judge Juanita Stedman, and Mea Fagiola.


Mea Fagiola opened the conference with a warm introduction and welcome. She also explained to the audience the history of Cobb County Juvenile Drug Courts. 


Brin Black then outlined important factors and aspects of the RF program. She discussed the programs and services that RF offers. While discussing this, community member, Carrie Kennedy spoke about the Celebrating Families Program and how she volunteers her time to help make this program a success.


The session also demonstrated to attendees how the program uses community support and networking from aspects like churches, civic clubs, child care and food/supplies to create partnerships in the community. 


Chairman of the Board- Justin O'Dell then spoke on the support that RF receives from the faith based communities, civic clubs, and also the employment opportunities for those in the drug program.


To conclude the session, Judge Juanita Stedman spoke about her Reconnecting Families "dream team," and the success of the program. She also then talked to audience members and answered and questions they had about the program.


The goal of the session was to show other court systems from around the state the benefits of a program like RF and how it is a beneficial part of the Cobb County Drug Treatment Court.


Thanks to all of those who attended the session! If you have any further questions about the session or the RF program please feel free to leave a comment or email us at reconnecting.families@cobbcounty.org


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