Jamie Lynn Elgin was the sole graduate at the Adult Recovery Court graduation ceremony held on Thursday, August 29.
DeShanta Hairston, Public Information Officer for Piedmont Community Services (PCS), explained that the Adult Recovery Program is a voluntary initiative aimed at reducing incarceration rates by offering an alternative path to recovery.
“It brings together treatment providers, law enforcement, probation officers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges to support participants in overcoming addiction. The program emphasizes accountability and evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual, providing a comprehensive solution to the complex issue of substance abuse,” Hairston said.
After receiving her diploma, Elgin shared her journey, reflecting on a tumultuous past. “At 13-years-old and up until a year and six months ago, I was a victim of numerous tragedies. I lost my daughter, my best friend, and my mother within a few months.
“I was married for 20 years to a man who fell into addiction. I didn’t understand addiction back then, and he succumbed to a heroin overdose and mental health issues in 2019. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” Elgin said.
She explained that she began using pain medication in 2008 for health issues but fell into deeper addiction around 2013, hitting what she thought was rock bottom in 2019. “But it wasn’t rock bottom. My addiction worsened. I turned to street drugs, becoming a liar, thief, and manipulator. I lost everything, including my family, children, and father,” Elgin said.
During her time in jail, Elgin initially blamed others for her troubles. “Hurt people, hurt people. After being homeless, broken, and addicted, I was placed on probation,” she said.
In 2021, Elgin said a spiritual transformation began. “God sent people to help me. After surrendering my life to God, I started seeing things clearly. This journey wasn’t easy, but I wanted to change,” she said.
Before joining the recovery court program, Elgin had tried other programs like Life Center and Hope Center but left after just two days. “I didn’t give it a fair chance, and I regret that,” she admitted.
Elgin credited the Piedmont Drug Court with her recovery and expressed gratitude for those who supported her. “I was praying every day for God to change things, only to realize I had to change them myself. God doesn’t leave us; we leave Him,” she said.
Elgin emphasized that her success in completing the Recovery Court program was due to her faith and support system. “My life is so different now. If I can do this, anyone can. I want to show people that God’s love and hope are real, and change is possible,” she said.
PCS Martinsville Recovery Court Case Manager Leanne Martin recalled that Elgin was the first participant she met when starting her job at PCS. “I feel honored to have been with her throughout her entire journey. Jamie has become one of the program’s standout successes,” Martin said.
Martin praised Elgin’s commitment and discipline. “Jamie has exemplified dedication to recovery with a clean drug screen record. Her journey highlights what can be achieved with hard work and commitment,” Martin added.
Martin also noted Elgin’s efforts to rebuild relationships with her family, which were crucial to her success. “Her hard work and family support have been essential in her recovery,” Martin said.
Following her recovery, Elgin has received job offers and invitations to speak at community events, a testament to her skills and the positive changes she has made.
Circuit Court Chief and Presiding Judge G. Carter Greer commended Elgin for her resilience and determination. “The path to recovery is fraught with challenges. Jamie has overcome many obstacles and has been substance-free for over 365 days, a significant achievement,” Greer said.
Statewide Specialty Dockets Coordinator Anna Powers recognized the hard work of Elgin and previous graduates. “Recovery courts are cost-effective and successful in reducing recidivism, providing necessary treatment, and breaking the cycle of substance use. Data shows that completing Recovery Court saves $19,234 per participant and significantly lowers reconviction rates,” Powers said.
Powers noted that graduates like Elgin join a group of more than 600 Virginia Recovery graduates who have transformed their lives in the past year.
