Program Highlights

Annual Statistics:

Participants Served: Between September 1, 2023 and August 31, 2024, the LEAD program has served 70 unique individuals.

Total Contacts: The team has made a total of 3,147 contacts with those participants, providing ongoing support and resources.

One of the most notable successes of our LEAD program has been the strengthening of teamwork and coordination between various agencies. The increased interagency partnership has resulted in earlier interventions for individuals at risk and has significantly improved communication between law enforcement, justice agencies, and our program staff. This enhanced collaboration has not only streamlined the referral process but has also facilitated a more holistic approach to addressing the needs of our clients, ensuring that they receive comprehensive and coordinated care from the moment of referral through ongoing case management. 

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Each of our case managers has selected one of their favorite success stories to highlight one or more of the key outcomes of the LEAD program. Please see the anonymized stories from each of them about their participants below:

Success stories:

#1. “A”, an elderly community member, came to us as a social contact referral from law enforcement. This participant was living in a broke down van, able to drive in first gear only. “A” slowly moved the van parking lot to parking lot. Because of this, “A” was generating numerous calls to both law enforcement and EMS. “A” was unable to cook or prepare meals, shower, maintain hygiene, or manage his health. “A” was also a participant with the local fire CARES program. I was able to work with the CARES social worker and “A”, step by step, to connect “A” with an assisted living facility in a neighboring county. Since “A” had been living in the vehicle for quite some time, all identification documents were missing and needed to be replaced. I was able to get “A” to DSHS and social security. From there, I was able to help “A” get to primary care appointments and interview with the assisted living facility. I assisted in moving “A” to that facility, providing new clothes and furniture. I continued to work with “A” during the transition from unhoused to housed.

#2. “B” was referred to the LEAD program as a social contact due to a high volume of calls received from “B” while exhibiting suspected behavioral health episodes. “B” was living in a remote area of Jefferson County alone and was in fear of an ex from a domestic violence situation. The deputy felt “B” would benefit from additional support. “B” started in the program meeting with me in person a couple times a week for peer support and to set goals. During my first contact with “B”, I made it a priority to find out why “B” didn’t feel safe living there. “B” reported that there wasn’t enough lighting on the property and couldn’t see if a person was outside the trailer. I provided “B” with motion lights for the property and the high volume of calls to law enforcement for anxiety surrounding heard noises on the property by “B” stopped. “B” also reported a substance use disorder and a related criminal charge from several months prior and asked for help getting enrolled in a treatment program and with transportation to appointments. “B” also reported that their child was living with a family member because they didn’t feel it was safe to have the child to be living with “B” at that time. Since engaging with LEAD, we have continued to meet a couple times per week to work towards and set new goals. “B” has gotten a full-time job, has moved into safe housing, has their child, completed treatment, and almost has a year of sobriety.

#3. “C” was referred to LEAD for a pre-booking referral. “C” had struggled with substance use for years and had frequent police contact. “C” also had pending and prior felony charges. “C” and I worked together to get placement into detox and then inpatient. While there, “C” chose to extend the program to get as much help as possible. Since completing inpatient, “C” was able to get the pending felony charges into drug court, is engaged in the recovery community and has moved into a sober living house in a neighboring county. “C” states “I am grateful to LEAD to help guide and support me in the direction I wasn’t sure how to take on my own.” “C” is now thriving in our community.

#4. “D” got into LEAD as a pre-booking referral and was abusing substances at the time. Because “D” did not go into custody that day for a low-level offense, “D’s” child was not placed with DCYF and was allowed to remain with “D”. As “D’s” case manager, we worked closely together. We got “D” important things, like food stamps for “D” and “D’s” child so they had what they needed. With hard work and support from the LEAD program, “D” has made amazing progress in becoming successful. A big step in “D’s” recovery was getting an assessment and into inpatient. “D” has stayed super committed to staying sober. Building a trusting relationship with “D” was key. It helped us work through problems together and celebrate wins, like reconnecting with “D’s” community and rebuilding family ties. Going to church regularly became a big part of “D’s” new life, adding support and a sense of community. With the help of the LEAD program, “D” has grabbed opportunities for growth. We signed “D” up and paid for a certification through Peninsula College, which helped “D” get a steady job. “D’s” story shows how powerful determination, support, and community can be. Through the work with LEAD, “D” has created a path toward a fulfilling and productive life.