SHEPHERDSVILLE – While the back stories are often touching and unique, the outcome is what the Bullitt County Mental Health Court was developed for.
Two more individuals graduated from the three-year-old program that assists those who have gotten into trouble with the law and then undergone the treatment necessary for them to graduate.
And to have their previous charges dropped.
The most recent graduates were Vicky Clark and Robert Grasso.
Accompanied by their family and friends, the stories of Clark and Grasso were presented to a capacity crowd of supporters, support team members and some prior graduates of the program.
Bullitt District Judge Jennifer Porter said that it was an honor to participate in the program. And she praised the most recent graduates for having no sanctions during their time in the program.
County Attorney Tammy Baker developed the program because she knew there was a need for resources to help people who need a hand up.
She said it takes an entire team to make the program possible and for individuals to meet their goals of recovery. Bullitt Fiscal Court is the primary financial supporter of the program through its opioid settlement funds.
In her video presentation, Clark remembered how scary it was to be in a jail cell. But she thanked the officer who helped get her into the program.
After one night in jail, Clark didn’t desire to return.
From her time as smoking as a teenager, it led to a horrible life until she was admitted into the mental court program.
Now, she has a job as a caretaker and she is fixing up her home.
“You can do it,” she told others.
It was 2023 when the world turned upside down for Grasso. He lost his job and his marriage. He gave up on life.
He was in an out of treatment for mental health issues. Last year, he spent 23 days in jail and was facing a 5-10 year sentence for assault charges.
With two young daughters, Grasso said he felt he let them down due to his behavior.
But through treatment and through participation in the program, Grasso is well on his way to recovery.
He has a job and a home. He has re-established a regular relationship with his daughters.
“Accountability is a big part of this program,” said Grasso. “If you need help, it is there.”
Grasso said he has taken a 180-degree change from his horrible life of the past.
And he promised to stay involved in the program by attending group meetings as part of his quest to be better than the day before.
Will Dufton, director of the program, said that he was very proud of the graduates. He said there were no sanctions and each showed a great commitment to themselves and to their families.
“It’s a start of a new beginning,” said Dufton.
He said the goal of the program is to find good people who have fallen on hard times. Then it is to help them become better productive individuals.
Assistant director Troy Hilpp promised the graduates that he won’t forget about them and to expect communications from him on a regular basis.
He liked the fact that Grasso wanted to remain part of the program after graduation. Several of the past graduates were present for the latest ceremony.
Hilpp also liked that Clark thanked an officer for helping her change her life.
“Continue to do what you’ve done the past year,” said Hilpp, who added that he is just a phone call or text away from helping them as recovery is an on-going experience.
For more information on the Bullitt County Mental Health Court program, contact the county attorney’s office at 502-543-1505.