Join us as Judge Maria Fortune tells us about presiding over Jefferson County Drug Court and her role in helping Drug Court participants be successful!

Judge Maria Fortune serves as a Criminal District Court Judge, presiding over Drug Court in Jefferson County. Judge Fortune grew up in Denver, Colorado, and from an early age, she knew that she wanted a career in law. As a child, she observed disparities in the criminal justice system, and wanted to become a judge, who listened to and looked at the defendant and their world beyond their criminal charges.

Before she began presiding over Drug Court, she practiced law in various capacities in Colorado, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. Today, Judge Fortune works to help people get their lives back on track after they have entered the criminal justice system due to their substance use. Judge Fortune is popular in the Birmingham area and among the recovery community for helping hundreds of people live a happy, healthy, and productive life without substances.

Join us as Tyler Harris discusses his recovery journey and the work he does at Unbound Grace to support those in or seeking recovery.

In this episode, Tyler Harris tells us about growing up in Birmingham and attending Auburn University. Tyler’s substance use escalated while he was in college, which led to concerning health and legal consequences. Today, Tyler is thriving in his recovery, and he is using his experience and faith to help others seeking help and support for their substance use. Tyler works with Unbound Grace, a Birmingham based organization that supports people seeking recovery and helps them find hope in the wilderness of addiction.

To learn more about Unbound Grace: https://www.unboundgrace.life/groups

John Steakley’s book referenced in the episode: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1959099736?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FZQC8PMD6ZYHBEB4RJXY&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FZQC8PMD6ZYHBEB4RJXY&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_FZQC8PMD6ZYHBEB4RJXY

In this episode, Lauren Sisler joins APC’s Executive Director, Carie Wimberly, and APC’s podcast producer, Ronnie Gatrey, to review End Addiction Bham 2024.

End Addiction Bham is an annual event that APC hosts each spring to promote awareness of substance misuse, provide hope, and provide connection. Each year this event draws several thousand people. Many participants are in recovery, some have lost a loved one to substance use, and others simply want to support eliminating the stigma of mental health and substance use. In addition to discussing their favorite parts of the End Addiction Bham festivities, our hosts also discuss how EAB has grown and changed over the past 8 years, and all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make EAB happen flawlessly.

Did you miss EAB 2024? It’s not too late to donate: https://endaddictionbham.swell.gives/