Better Together: Manitowoc County Drug Court Program – Where Healing Meets Justice
“I haven’t met one person who wants to be an addict. That’s not the goal of any person I’ve met.” — Judge Robert Dewane
In a system often defined by punishment, the Manitowoc County Drug Court Program (MCDCP) offers something revolutionary: possibility. This January, as our nation observed Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, nine aspiring healthcare professionals from Wisconsin’s Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Scholars Community Health Immersion (CHI) participants witnessed this possibility firsthand.
A Different Kind of Court
Each Wednesday morning at the Manitowoc County Courthouse, something remarkable happens. The atmosphere shifts from traditional courtroom formality to something that feels more like a supportive community gathering.
“It was incredible to see the relaxed and open environment in court,” remarked one CHI participant.
The scene unfolds with participants approaching the podium, journals and 40 Planner Worksheets in hand. Judge Robert Dewane, who presides over the court alongside Honorable Anthony Lambrecht, asks each person: “Since we’ve last seen you, have you stayed sober?” When they respond affirmatively, the room erupts in applause.
This isn’t mere ceremony. It’s recognition of the profound work being done.
The Currency of Recovery
“Do you have your coin with you?” Judge Dewane asks each participant.
These coins aren’t just metal tokens; they’re tangible symbols of connection, hope, and resilience. Judge Dewane carries his own, ready to produce it whenever he encounters participants in the community—a reminder that “You’re not alone, we’re in this together.”
Zach Jurewicz, an Occupational Therapy student at Northwood Tech, noticed how these coins carried different meanings for different people. “It was very interesting how the two different groups thought of them,” he observed. “The people in recovery thought it was something to build responsibility, and the judge thought it was to remind them that they always had someone they could call.”
Building Trust Where It Was Broken
For many participants, their relationship with the legal system and healthcare providers has been fraught with distrust. Drug Court creates space for healing these relationships.
“Drug Court treats participants humanely, non-judgmentally, and with compassion,” observed one CHI student. “The criminal justice system typically doesn’t have this relationship with folks in recovery, so it was interesting to witness.”
Another noted the significance of “literally rebuilding trust” with law enforcement and healthcare providers—perhaps one of the program’s most transformative aspects for the community.
The Ripple Effect
Since its inception in 2017, catalyzed by the League of Women Voters and Judge Dewane’s election, the MCDCP has graduated 59 participants. While it maintains a capacity of 15-20 participants at any given time (currently 12), its impact extends far beyond these numbers.
The program has created ripples throughout the community, supporting the development of CORE Treatment Services, Lighthouse Recovery Community Center, and other local recovery initiatives.
What Makes Drug Court Different?
Several elements distinguish the MCDCP from traditional court proceedings:
- Honesty Over Punishment: Participants aren’t jailed for being honest.
- Structured Support: The program holds participants accountable while providing necessary support systems.
- Community Connection: Alumni return to encourage current participants, creating a family-like atmosphere.
- Relapses and Response: If participants are honest about relapses, the program works to provide additional support.
- Holistic Growth: Progress extends beyond sobriety to include personal, social, financial, career, and educational goals.
As one participant powerfully stated to our CHI students: “I wouldn’t be here today without this program.”
The Healthcare Connection
For the nine CHI participants—future healthcare professionals—witnessing Drug Court offered invaluable insights they plan to carry into their practices:
“I want to approach folks using substances with curiosity and care. Asking how I can help is more effective than punitive measures,” reflected one student.
Another shared their intention to “make sure to treat patients as people, not a problem or just another case, as this is what so many of the people in drug court wanted: normal conversations and interactions.”
These future healthcare providers recognized the importance of knowing local resources and acting as advocates to help patients navigate complex systems.
“A Lot of My Job Is Helping People Believe in Themselves”
Judge Dewane’s approach embodies both accountability and deep compassion. He celebrates not just graduation day, but every step toward healing and freedom.
“The goal is not to send people to jail,” he emphasizes. “The goal is for participants to get better. We do well because the people in the program work really hard.”
In many ways, Judge Dewane functions like a coach, encouraging participants to stay focused on their long-term recovery. For the 40 hours each week that participants engage in pro-social activities—meetings, counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, and volunteering—recovery becomes their job.
A Model That Works
The National Treatment Court Resource Center reports that drug courts significantly reduce recidivism—by as much as 35-40% among the most successful programs. They’re also cost-effective, with public savings averaging $6,744 per participant.
But the true measure of success lies in transformed lives and restored community connections.
As one CHI participant noted, the most impactful insight was understanding that “addiction is a disease—don’t put people in jail for cancer.” This perspective shift frames addiction not as a moral failing but as a health condition requiring treatment rather than punishment.
When Court is in Session
The Manitowoc County Drug Court holds sessions every Wednesday from 9:00-10:00 AM in Branch 4 at the Manitowoc County Courthouse (1010 S. 8th Street). These sessions are open to the public, offering community members a window into this innovative approach to healing.
As we continue building bridges to recovery in Manitowoc County, we invite you to witness the transformation happening each week—where justice meets compassion, and where a community comes together to say: we are better together.
Looking Ahead
Join us for the final installation of our “Better Together” series focused on Navigating Pathways to Recovery featuring Alex Hunt, Executive Director of The Haven Men’s Homeless Shelter. Hunt shared his powerful sobriety story with our CHI participants and challenged future healthcare providers to reimagine their clinics and hospitals as “resource brokerages” for the communities they serve. Don’t miss this inspiring conclusion to our series exploring the interconnected nature of recovery, homelessness, and healthcare in Manitowoc County.
This blog post is part of our “Better Together” series highlighting vital components of Manitowoc County’s recovery ecosystem.
Interested in attending a Community Health Immersion?
Priority is given to AHEC Scholars, but other students may join as space allows! These impactful experiences cover diverse healthcare topics and are offered across Wisconsin.