Dearborn County JCAP Alumni, Project Hope Administer Random Acts of Kindness

Three organizations were chosen to receive the acts of kindness.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - Random acts of kindness are not only a thought among people; it is also a movement around the world during the week of February 11 – 17th to encourage people to extend kindness to others, often strangers with nothing expected in return. There are often reciprocal benefits on each end as both the givers and receivers experience stronger relationships, a sense of belonging, and heightened happiness. Dearborn County’s JCAP (Jail Chemical Addictions Program) alumni members, together with Program Director, Tisha Linzy chose three organizations to administer random acts of kindness, contributing their time and even funding to spawn a little extra happiness to others throughout the county.

One of the selected organizations was the Youth Encouragement Services residential group home in Manchester, Indiana for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. Many of the graduates of the JCAP program and their director purchased Valentine’s Day decorations and candy, donuts from Dunkin Donuts, and created small posters with words of affirmation for those residing at the group home. While the youths attended school, the group transported the items to the Yes Home and set up a surprise party event for the kids upon their return. Amy Phillips, Executive Director of the YES Home said the kids were surprised and overjoyed with the treats and the décor that greeted them. “This was such a special event,” said Amy. “It was certainly a day of love, and for our kids, moments like this let them know that they are not forgotten and that they are valued in the community. Even our staff members, who often feel overwhelmed, could feel that they are not alone in this work and that our work on behalf of children matters. We are so appreciative and we look forward to many more opportunities to connect with caring individuals and organizations to ultimately build caring communities,” said Phillips.

South Dearborn Middle School Health teacher and S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) sponsor has welcomed presentations, including personal testimonies from members within the JCAP program during October’s Red Ribbon Week. She and her 120 students were also selected to receive donuts on Valentine’s Day. Upon arrival with boxes and boxes of donuts, Ms. Powell explained to her students that the alumni members were clean and sober. The students clapped for the members while they enjoyed the treat. Sara said that this gesture shows our students that drugs do not discriminate- you can be rich, poor, of any race, any religion, any sex, or any age but that there is “hope” and that anyone and everyone can beat and conquer a goal or even fail and get back up. “It also shows that these people are good-hearted and they have worked hard to improve their lives,” said Ms. Powell.

There was one other group that would also be touched by the graduates of JCAP, that being the local library staff. The Lawrenceburg Public Library has been a major supporter of the JCAP’s Project HOPE, Creating Hope through Art. This was a perfect time for the group to express their gratitude for the

library’s monetary contribution and support. This collaboration led to the creation of the artistic mural that is located on Walnut Street in Lawrenceburg, the totem pole in their courtyard, and the Creative Writing Exhibit that took place at the Lawrenceburg Public Library, in April 2023. According to the Library Director, Jake Moore, the staff was very pleased and the donuts disappeared quickly. The team was met with the faces of many of the graduates who had a hand in the mural, the writing exhibit, and other artistic works under the Project Hope endeavor. Jake Moore is very impressed with this program. “We love what JCAP does to get back on their feet and in society. You don’t always see this in communities.”

Tisha Linzy said that these Random Acts of Kindness significantly touched the hearts of the recipients, and just as importantly, those of the JCAP alumni members. “Our graduates know how it feels to be separated from their family, often misunderstood, and even disconnected from their own communities, said Linzy. “Our JCAP alumni members are finding ways to do good with their lives, and to feel of value to other people. This project was a great success.”

The Dearborn County Jail Chemical Addictions Program (JCAP) is founded on the principle that effective treatment initiated early and comprehensively can alter the clinical course of one’s addiction and mental health. Early intervention and treatment offered within a correctional setting has the ability to improve one’s social, emotional, spiritual, and familial functioning through a structured treatment regimen and setting.