A few years ago, it was the lure of a small gift card that would help keep Korey Shorb out of trouble.
A participant in the county’s Drug Treatment Court, Shorb knew that if he could keep his act together on weekends, he might be rewarded at his next court appearance.
“When you’re early in recovery, when you come from where I come from, a $20 gift card means a lot,” Shorb said. “When I was out there thinking about breaking the law or doing something stupid, I would think, ‘You know what? I want that gift card this weekend.’”
This Saturday, Shorb and several friends are holding a “Run for Recovery” to raise money for similar incentives to lift the spirits of current drug court participants.
The program, which allows offenders charged with nonviolent drug-related crimes the opportunity to avoid going to jail by completing requirements, lost funding for incentives a few years ago, Shorb said.
The first event of its kind, more than 150 people are expected to participate in the 5K and 1-mile walk Saturday.
Several vendors will be set up to promote health and wellness and healthy lifestyle alternatives.
“Everybody knows somebody who’s affected by addiction of some sort,” said Paul Lively, one of the organizers. “This is about raising awareness and dropping the stigma. We all deserve a second chance.”
For the first event, organizers said they’ve received great support from the county’s running community.
Shorb said he also walked into each office at the courthouse, urging people to attend the run. He will also bring a few people with him from Mountain Manor Treatment Center, where he now works as a drug counselor.
“I try to get them interested in a healthier way of life,” Shorb said. “It’s just cool watching them come in from prison and find another way.”
Follow Danielle E. Gaines on Twitter: @danielleegaines.
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