“I’m not the old me anymore. There is a new life that will start, and it will start today.”

That’s what Zachary Fink said when he graduated from the Covington County Drug Court earlier this month. Zach, as he is known to his friends, is a dedicated and sincere man, whose life appears to be made new. He shared who and what kept him steadfast in the Drug Court Program.

Fink said the program has altered his focus, from a self-centered focus to selflessly serving and loving his family, especially his young daughter.

“She’s my world,” he said. Throughout the program there were times when he wanted to give up. The thought that his problems were too big to fix would creep in, but Fink said he would remember his family. Not only were his fiance and his daughter stable supporters and encouragers, but his uncle and his church family were, as well. Fink said his Uncle Landon pushed him and reminded him that he was in fact strong enough to complete the program.

The Church, not the building but the people, “showed me the love of Christ,” he said. “They have been true friends throughout the program. God saved me.”

The Drug Court Program is set up to provide a strong support system to clients. Sabrina Cobb, Drug Court coordinator, walks alongside the Drug Court participants and guides them along the way.

“She is willing to help, and doesn’t set you up for failure,” Fink said. Cobb, along with Covington County District Attorney, Walt Merrell, both played a big part in Fink’s recovery. Fink said, “Walt is going to keep you in check, but he will never ask you to do anything he does not already do, himself. He also played a big part in my recovery.”

In the program participants have individualized treatment plans. For some that may include rehab, other programs, and steady jobs along with classes and regular meetings to check on their progress. Initially, Fink was nervous and didn’t know what to expect with the program. Thankfulness seems to be a common theme he expresses.

“I am thankful for a second chance,” he said.

Fink now works full time in Crestview.

“That’s really what it is all about,” said Drug Court Judge Charles “Lex” Short. “Getting these folks back to the point where they are responsible and contributing members of society.”

“Job placement is an important component of the success of drug Court,” Short said. “Idle hands are, in fact, the devil’s workshop.”

Drug Court is in need of job placement opportunities for the Drug Court clients. When asked about the ‘risk’ of hiring a Drug Court client, Merrell rebuked the notion.

“The men and women in the Drug Court have the potential to be the best employees anyone can have because the Drug Court monitors the participants so very closely and those involved in the program know what is at stake,” Merrell said.

If you would like more information concerning Drug Court, or have job opportunities for Drug Court participants, please contact the Cobb at 428-2683 or the District Attorney’s Office at 222-2513.