BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — The East Baton Rouge Parish Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is announcing the Pre-Trial Diversion and Recovery Program Graduation Ceremony in light of Recovery Month during September.

The ceremony will take place on the 11th floor of the 19th JDC Courthouse in the ceremonial court room on Sept. 15, highlighting the graduation of the participants from the program.

The Pre-Trial Diversion & Recovery Program provides an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent offenders, focusing on rehabilitation and support for those with behavioral health challenges, according to CJCC. This program strives to break the cycle of recidivism and provide support to participants as they navigate their path toward recovery and successful reintegration into society.

“As we celebrate National Recovery Month, the Pretrial Diversion and Recovery Program’s graduation ceremony exemplifies what a person can accomplish if they have the will and desire to be a better version of themselves,” said Chris Csonka, executive director of the CJCC and program manager for the pre-trial program. “Their success stories are a testament to the effectiveness of a holistic approach that combines rehabilitation, accountability, and mentorship to uplift individuals and provide them the tools needed to be a contributing member of the community.”

The group said the graduation ceremony will showcase participants who have completed a comprehensive curriculum. There will also be previous graduates who will speak about their experience in the program.