CARE team helps break cycle of addiction-driven crime

The Community Assistance for Resources and Empowerment (CARE) Team in Marysville is turning mandatory minimum sentencing into a recovery opportunity for individuals facing public disorder offenses. Since the beginning of the year, 16 out of 32 eligible individuals have engaged with the team, achieving a 93% acceptance rate for resources. Officer Bryant Gerfin and Case Manager Juli Hastings play crucial roles in coordinating assessments and connecting clients with housing and treatment services. Client Casey Bryner found stability through the team's support, stating they helped him regain his desire for a clean life. Gerfin emphasizes the significance of addressing addiction and homelessness directly in communities.

By pairing enforcement with treatment, the CARE Team aims to break the cycle of addiction-driven crime. This approach not only aids individuals but also restores stability to neighborhoods. The challenges faced are prevalent in many communities, reflecting a need for similar initiatives elsewhere.