Madison Co. inmates graduate into second chance

JACKSON, Tenn. — Ten female inmates housed at the Madison County Jail graduated Friday from Celebrate Recovery, a program focused on rehabilitating inmates.

“When I walked through them doors, the last thing on my mind was getting myself together,” Tekila Moffitt, a graduate, said.

Moffitt said a drug addiction landed her behind bars. She received a chip Friday celebrating 90 days of sobriety. “It was time for God to take me off the streets and get some help,” Moffitt said.

The 10-week, faith-based course focuses on breaking bad habits. It is a voluntary program. Madison County Circuit Court Judge Don Allen said most of the people in the program struggle with drugs and alcohol.

“The ultimate goal is that we’ll never have to see them under these circumstances again,” Allen said.

Madison County Sheriff John Mehr said he thinks the program will cut down on recidivism. “Our goal is not just to put people in jail, but when they make a mistake and they have to go, give them a reason not to come back,” he said.

Moffitt said she is thankful for the opportunity to get her life together. “You have to stay with your sponsor, your accountability partners, and stay in meetings, and stay in your work from here on out because you cannot do it without God,” she said.

Allen said so far 18 women have graduated from Celebrate Recovery.

The sheriff’s office said the first Celebrate Recovery class graduated in December. There is currently a men’s class under way.