Surry Transition Project 2025 Report
- C. Jamie Edwards
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Surry Transition Project (STP) is setting standard for how communities can transform the justice system into a bridge for recovery and productive citizenship. By treating addiction as a disease rather than a purely criminal issue, this collaborative initiative between the Surry County Office of Substance Abuse Recovery and local law enforcement provides a seamless continuum of care. In 2025 alone, the program served 77 unique individuals with high-impact services that begin during detention and continue through community reintegration.
The project’s success is built on an evidence-based "fortified bridge" approach that addresses the root causes of recidivism. Through the 12-week CAT Track (Criminogenic and Addictive Thinking) program, participants work to restructure the thought patterns driving both addiction and criminal behavior. This intensive clinical focus is yielding impressive results, with a 79.5% engagement rate in detention-based counseling and peer support levels that exceed national benchmarks by 43%
Recognizing that economic stability is the strongest predictor of successful reentry, STP integrates robust workforce development into its recovery model. The "Recovery to Work" initiative has already empowered dozens of participants through job readiness training and vocational certifications. Notably, the program achieved a 95.5% success rate for NC DOT Flagger certifications, equipping graduates with tangible credentials to secure immediate employment upon release.
Beyond the data, the true impact of the project is found in the restored dignity of its participants. Testimonials highlight a profound shift from the isolation of incarceration to the hope of a second chance, with many crediting the program for helping them realize they are not defined by their mistakes. By providing essential supports—ranging from GED education to "Ride the Road to Recovery" transportation assistance—STP ensures that the progress made behind bars is sustained in the community.
As STP concludes a foundational year, it stands as a model of bold, innovative action that secures the health and safety of Surry County. By combining rigorous clinical standards with a commitment to the "Eight Dimensions of Wellness," the project is successfully disrupting the cycle of addiction and incarceration. For the residents of Surry County, this program represents an unwavering commitment to a safer, healthier future where everyone has the opportunity to overcome their circumstances and contribute positively to society.
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