From the desk of the dcjtc chairman

Dear Sponsors, Vendors, and Participants,

I am delighted to have been given the privilege of being a part of the non-profit DeKalb Criminal Justice Treatment Coalition and its 4th Annual DeKalb County Full Court Press fundraising effort.  Through the hard work of our DCJTC team and the generosity of support and time given by all of you, we have already raised funds in the last two years that we could not have possibly imagined being able to put toward our cause prior to this essential event.

The funds raised by The DeKalb Full Court Press are used specifically to support participants of DeKalb's Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, an accountability program aimed at connecting those with mental health challenges, who have found themselves in the criminal justice system, with invaluable treatment resources and providers who will help give them a new, positive outlook on their respective futures. We have already helped provide temporary housing, medications, and other forms of support to these good men and women with the funds raised specifically from this event.

But, our work doesn't stop here.  We at DCJTC recognize the stark reality that logistical considerations like basic healthcare, housing, and transportation place hurdles in front of these individuals, and without money, our efforts ring hollow.  Inherent in our mission to assist in funding the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court is the goal of breaking down these barriers and leaving an open path for men and women with extraordinary potential.

Before and after this year's festivities, please take the time to spread the word of our mission.  Visit our website at treatmentisjustice.org, where you can donate and learn more about our efforts.  Use social media, your friends and family, places of worship, and neighborhood groups to grow our message.  With your help, we can build upon this incredibly successful few days and begin to make the kind of change for the mentally ill in our jails and courtrooms that nobody ever thought was possible.

Thank you, best of luck to the teams, and remember: Treatment Is Justice!